UNI's Howard knows what to expect

CEDAR FALLS - Big brother has been talking.

To Northern Iowa's Austin Howard, the words are very real.

That's because Marcel Howard knows the territory. He played in the offensive line at Iowa State, The bigger brother of Austin experienced the Cyclones' rivalry with Iowa, and for that matter, ISU's periodic battles with UNI.

“I know everything Marcel has to say is legit,” said Austin, a senior offensive tackle for the Panthers.

So, with UNI's date at Iowa today, Marcel offered some advice. Little brother was listening.

“He just tells (me to) go in there with your mind right,” said Austin Howard after a midweek practice. “Regardless of what's going on outside the field and off the field, go in there knowing you can win this game. Go in there with confidence.”

Austin Howard is one of 65 Panthers on the program's preseason roster who are from Iowa. UNI Coach Mark Farley says all of them are quite well-aware of Iowa's place in the college football universe.

“We all know the Hawkeyes are a team a lot of people look to as they grow up,” said Farley, a Waukon native. “So this is a big week.”

Even though today's matchup will be his first against Iowa as a college football player, Austin Howard has seen big weeks like this before.

Eleven years ago, he sat in Kinnick Stadium. He watched big brother Marcel and his teammates beat Iowa. That victory ended the Hawkeyes' 15-game winning streak in the series.

“My brother was so happy about that,” Austin said. “It was an awesome feeling for him. Hopefully, that's something I can experience.”

Austin Howard sampled the Kinnick Stadium atmosphere again five seasons ago as part of UNI's program. A red-shirt, he watched as Iowa beat UNI, 45-21.

He remembers everything from the bus ride to the fans in the stands.

“I actually saw some people I grew up with - some parents and old friends,” said Howard. “The Iowa game was special. Whatever we do (today), it's gonna keep with me the rest of my life.”

Before coming to UNI, Howard grew up in Davenport, attending Central High. There he got to know Julian Vandervelde, as a fellow football player and a musician in the orchestra.

“I played cello, he played drums or something like that,” Howard said, laughing.

Saturday, Vandervelde will be in Iowa's lineup as an offensive lineman.

“Julian's a very good kid,” Howard said. “He'd be a good guy for the NFL, if he can make it.”

By Jim Sullivan

Waterloo Courier