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N. Iowa 35, Missouri St. 7

Sep 26, 2009 - 9:59 PM SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- As powerful as Northern Iowa's offense was in its 35-7 win over Missouri State Saturday, it was the Panthers' defense that held Missouri State scoreless until the last seconds of the game.

Northern Iowa (3-1, 1-0 Missouri Valley) scored three times in the first half and coasted through the game without a serious challenge from Missouri State (2-2, 0-1).

The Panthers held Missouri State to 15 first downs, including 8 in the second half and gave up just 185 yards of total offense.

Even when Missouri State recovered a Northern Iowa fumble on the Panthers' 25 in the fourth quarter, the Bears were unable to score as it failed to covert on a 4 and 7 from the 8 yard line.

Three different Northern Iowa players scored in the first half. Jarred Herring opening the game with a 3-yard run with 3:50 left in the first quarter. Pat Grace scored on an 11-yard run with 6:17 left in the half and Grace threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to D.P. Eyman with 1:59 left.

Northern Iowa went up 28-0 in the third quarter after Missouri State fumbled a punt return on its own 10 and three plays later scored on a Carlos Anderson 1-yard run.

Grace and Eyman hooked up for the second time in the game with 3:11 left in the third quarter on a 26-yard touchdown pass to push ahead 35-0.

Missouri State's only score came on a 5-yard pass from Cody Kirby to Clay Harbor with 7.2 seconds in the game.