Oct. 31, 2009

Final Stats

The Upper Iowa football team took the field at Eb Eischeid Stadium for the final time in 2009 today. The Peacocks welcomed the #4 Mavericks of Minnesota State University, Mankato on Senior Day in Fayette. UIU honored their senior players and team managers prior to kickoff. Minnesota State came into the game with a perfect 9-0 record and the #1 ranking in the most recent NCAA Super Regional 3 poll. The Mavericks used a 30-point second quarter to separate themselves from the Peacocks and cruised to a 48-17 NSIC victory. With the win, MSU improves to 10-0 on the season and 9-0 in the NSIC, while UIU falls to 2-8 and 1-8 in conference games.

The Mavericks owned the first half thanks to a 285 to 116 yard advantage in total offense and a 15-5 advantage in first downs while building their 38-3 halftime lead. The Mavericks used the ground game for the majority of the first half as they chewed up 151 yards and nearly 19 minutes of possession.

In the second half, Upper Iowa outscored Minnesota State 14-10. The Peacock touchdowns came on the legs of senior Sam Epsteen. Epsteen scored on runs of 6 and 65 yards in the final quarter.

For the game, MSU accounted for 403 yards of offense, while UIU registered 329. The Peacocks turned the ball over five times; one more than the Mavericks who had four turnovers. The difference was that Minnesota State scored 22 points off turnovers, while Upper Iowa only managed 10.

Upper Iowa was led by Epsteen on offense as he tallied 98 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries and also pulled in 3 passes for 29 yards. Fellow senior Craig Burns completed 9 of 19 passes for 86 yards after starter Ben Curran left the game. Jessie Hubbard caught 6 passes for 44 yards, while La'Mont Williams snagged 4 catches for 49 yards.

On defense, the Peacocks were led by senior Vernard Wilkins, who recorded 16 tackles (9 solo). Casey Poppenfoose had 9 tackles and an interception and Joe Nix accounted for 7 tackles. Shane McComb, who also played his final home game, registered 6 tackles.

Next Saturday, Upper Iowa will complete their 2009 season at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The Peacocks will face the Golden Eagles on Nov. 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.