Farley optimistic Anderson could return Saturday

CEDAR FALLS - Mark Farley isn't sure when Carlos Anderson will return to Northern Iowa's lineup.

He does know Anderson's plight could have been much worse.

The Panther head coach said Sunday that his freshman running back injured his right hamstring late in the 28-7 victory over Youngstown State. But Farley said there is a chance Anderson could return for the UNI-Dome finale Saturday against Western Illinois.

“Today, it's not as bad as expected,” Farley said. “He'll have treatment, and there's a possibility we could get him back.”

Farley said it could boil down to a game-time decision for Anderson, who rushed for a career-best 113 yards in 17 attempts against Youngstown State.

Late in the fourth quarter, while picking up a critical first down with a 12-yard, fourth-down run, Anderson crumpled to the turf.

He needed assistance leaving the field, and then used crutches after the game, his leg wrapped.

At that point, Anderson's status for the rest of 2009 looked doubtful. Sunday, that changed a bit, much to the relief of Farley.

“No question, especially the way he came off the field,” Farley said. “We didn't know about him.”

Farley also said that senior running back Derrick Law is in good shape after suffering an ankle injury against the Penguins.

Saturday, the Panthers restored some order to the 2009 season. They halted the two-game winning streak and strengthened their bid for at-large bid to the playoffs with the victory.

Above all, Farley said UNI rediscovered its identity with a potent ground game and a toughened defensive effort.

Part of Farley's plan heading into Youngstown State was to bolster his defensive rotation. Aside from getting Darren Branch some snaps at defensive end, the Panthers had largely stuck to using 11 men for most of the games.

Saturday, the lineup changed.

Jamar Thompson returned to linebacker after starting at strong safety. Fabian Brown, a transfer from Iowa Central, got the start at end in Ben Boothby's spot. Tre'Darrius Canady went to strong safety.

-By Jim Sullivan, Waterloo Courier