Upper Iowa's football team closed out the 2018 campaign in Mankato, Minn. on Saturday afternoon against the No. 1 Mavericks of Minnesota State University, Mankato. The top ranked team in NCAA Division II scored on eight of their possessions including their first three in the first quarter to take an early three-score lead on the way to a 47-7 win to wrap up the regular season. Minnesota State improved to 11-0 on the year and 7-0 against the NSIC South Division, while Upper Iowa finished 3-8 overall and 1-6 against the NSIC South.

Minnesota State controlled the game in all three phases as the offense picked up 460 yards of total offense thanks to 268 yards rushing and 192 yards passing. MSU"s defense only allowed Upper Iowa to gain 168 yards of offense including 80 on the ground and 88 through the air. Special teams even got in the on the attack with a long onside kick that worked to perfection before the team's third score..

Ryan Parmely's 77 rushing yards pushed him over 2,000 all-purpose yards for his career. The senior from Delhi, Iowa scored UIU's only touchdown on a 3rd and goal at the MSU one-yard line. The touchdown dive pulled the Peacocks within two scores, but UIU's offense couldn't keep the momentum on their side.  Senior linebacker Nic Patterson made 10 tackles on Saturday to record 99 stops for the season. Patterson developed throughout his career and now is one of the best tacklers in the conference.
 
Brandyn Tulloch caught 3 passes for 52 yards including a long of 43 to spark Upper Iowa 's offense.

Marcus Johnson saved his best for last for UIU. Johnson recorded 13 tackles in the game including 7 solo stops.

Daniel Ruffin Jr. added two more interceptions to bring his season tally up to 6, while Garrett Johnston blocked his fourth field goal of the season.

Quarterback Brent Lammers threw for 73 yards today and ran for another 4 yards moving over 3,000 yards in total offense this season.