UNI-Iowa State broadcast on ESPN+ crashes during Panthers’ final drive

Much of the final minute of a close call for No. 7 Iowa State against Northern Iowa wasn’t seen by anyone outside Jack Trice Stadium.

ESPN+ experienced technical difficulties as UNI tried to drive for a game-tying touchdown, down 16-10 near the end of the fourth quarter Saturday in Ames.

The game was available to watch only through the premium streaming service.

UNI got the ball at the ISU 40 with 1:02 remaining after an ISU punt, but fans watching at home — including neutral fans curious to see if the Cyclones could avoid the upset — were left to follow what was happening via live updates from reporters at the stadium.

The feed was restored just in time for UNI’s final two plays that turned out to be uneventful, an incomplete pass and a 25-yard Will McElvain pass to Sam Schnee to the Iowa State 33 that ended the game.

Iowa State faces Iowa next Saturday on ABC (3:30 p.m.). UNI is on ESPN+ again for an 8 p.m. kickoff at Sacramento State.

Comments: nathan.ford@thegazette.com