UNI football injuries piling up alongside losses

CEDAR FALLS — Two consecutive losses after a three-game winning streak has quickly shifted Northern Iowa football’s circumstances.

After a second consecutive game with errors on special teams, offense and defense, the study of Saturday’s game film only confirmed what UNI Coach Mark Farley witnessed during a 34-21 home loss to FCS No. 15 South Dakota.

“South Dakota did a good job, but we go back and look at it, it was those errors that were made. Whether it be be special teams, turnovers, the (interception) that did create momentum for them,” Farley said. “We got things going in the second half. Did the things we wanted to do initially, but when they made the drive they made to get a touchdown back, that was the one that I felt we slipped on defense. But it was an odd game and it was disappointing.”

Injuries have also begun to weigh heavy on the 24th-ranked Panthers (3-3, 1-2 MVFC), too.

Farley revealed Monday that wide receiver Logan Wolf (hamstring), offensive lineman Matthew Vanderslice (undisclosed) and defensive end Brawntae Wells (shoulder) have injuries that will keep them out for the remainder of the season.

The Panthers are hoping to get offensive linemen Justin Peine and Hayden Amos back this week, as well as wide receiver Isaiah Weston and defensive lineman Khristian Boyd. Boyd, who withstood a limited snap count against South Dakota on Saturday, would be an impactful addition to a defensive line that’s been lacking depth recently.

“It was really one of those (situations to) find out how long he could go and just see if he could hold up in that particular game,” Farley said. “He’s checking out OK right now, so I anticipate getting him back full-time in full-season form this Saturday.”

When it comes to UNI’s wide receivers, Wolf’s loss is considerable and being without Weston would make matters much worse. On a positive note, though, freshman wide receiver Sergio Morancy has seen his snap count steadily increase this season and in Saturday’s loss he caught his first career touchdown.

“You’ve got a freshman that’s playing and I don’t play guys just to play them,” Farley said. “Sergio has earned that (playing time) and that’s why he got on the football field. He made a hell of a catch down in the end zone for the touchdown. He’s a great talent.”

Another development from Saturday’s game included junior college transfer quarterback Matt Morrissey working with the second unit. Farley said last week that he and his staff had a good idea who the new backup QB would be after Will McElvain entered the transfer portal and he confirmed Monday that Morrissey is the new backup.

Looking ahead, another ranked Missouri Valley Football Conference opponent awaits.

No. 7 South Dakota State (5-1, 2-1) hosts the Panthers on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. The Jackrabbits are coming off a 41-17 win at Western Illinois.

“They’re legitimately good. I don’t think you have to tell anybody that because they played for the (national championship) last year and everybody is back,” Farley said.