Sept. 6, 2008
Final Stats
Upper Iowa hosted the Marauders of the University of Mary for their home opener on Saturday afternoon. Early on Upper Iowa was in definite control of the game thanks to the offensive line and a hard running Sam Epsteen. UIU led at halftime 21-20, but U-Mary outscored the Peacocks 14-10 in the second half and escaped with the victory.
UIU jumped out to a 14-0 lead as Epsteen rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns on the Peacock's first two possessions. U-Mary put six points on the board early in the second quarter, but Upper Iowa didn't let the momentum turn as Epsteen scored his third touchdown of the half and gave UIU a 21-6 lead.
The Marauders offense began to pick up yards in big chunks and was also aided by Upper Iowa personal fouls. U-Mary scored two more touchdowns in the second quarter including one with just 28 seconds to play in the half. The scores cut the deficit to one point at the break, 21-20.
The teams came out of the locker room for the second half looking to pick up their first NSIC win of the season. U-Mary took the opening drive of the half in for a touchdown and a 27-21 lead after starting at their own 40-yard line.
Upper Iowa was able to reclaim the lead on their first possession of the half when freshman Jordan Otdoerfer scored his first collegiate touchdown on an option play from 26 yards out. The score and extra point gave the Peacocks a 28-27 lead.
As play moved to the fourth quarter, UIU tacked a 26-yard field goal to their score thanks to the leg of Jason Price. The kick staked Upper Iowa to a 31-27 lead with 12:14 to play in the game.
Unfortunately for Upper Iowa, U-Mary stole a victory away from the Peacocks for the second straight year. The Marauders scored a touchdown despite a UIU defensive goal line stand that lasted six plays before U-Mary was finally able to cross the white chalk line. The score gave the visitors a 34-31 lead with 2:35 to play.
Upper Iowa turned it over on downs on their final possession and fell to 0-2 on the year. Both losses have come by three points and have ended with a Peacock turnover.
The Upper Iowa offense was lead by Epsteen, a junior from Corona, Cal. Epsteen grinded out 152 yards on 24 carries and three touchdowns. Otdoerfer added 63 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Red-shirt sophomore quarterback Ben Curran finished the day 13-26 for 122 yards. Senior Kyle Hosch caught four of Curran's passes for 49 yards, while sophomore La'Mont Williams also snatched four passes for 18 yards. Fullback Justin Michaels grabbed two throws for 24 yards.
The Peacock defense was led by Vernard Wilkins (9 tackles, 1 INT), Shane McComb (8 tackles, 1 sack), Craig Henry (7 tackles), Cameron Copeland (7 tackles), and Dominique Jackson (6 tackles, 1 INT).
The Peacocks will travel to Aberdeen, S.D. next Saturday to face the Wolves of Northern State University. Upper Iowa will look to avenge a loss in Aberdeen just one year ago. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
