Iowa has a sparkling 17-1 record all-time against Northern Iowa, but that doesn't mean they are taking the Panthers lightly.
The Hawkeyes have won 17 of 18 games, including 17 straight victories, most recently on September 15, 2018. Although Iowa and Northern Iowa are in-state rivals, it isn't a trophy game, something Iowa has done well in. The Hawkeyes currently own all four rivalry trophies against Iowa State (Cy-Hawk), Minnesota (Floyd of Rosedale), Nebraska (Heroes), and Wisconsin (Heartland). There might not be a trophy attached, but it's safe to say they aren't taking this game lightly.
Iowa doesn't want a repeat of what happen in the 2009 game
Both teams are different from the last time they matched up, especially UNI. The Panthers are undergoing a rebuild after longtime head coach Mark Farley stepped down after the 2024 season. The Panthers had great success under Farley, notching 183 wins and seven Missouri Valley Conference titles. Todd Stepsis took over before the 2025 season, and it hasn't been an easy transition so far. The Panthers went 3-9 in his first season and are 1-1 heading into a challenging week three matchup against the Hawkeyes.
Despite the heavy turnover and rebuild, the 2009 game still haunts Kirk Ferentz, something he doesn't want to see repeated this time.
Jaylen Watson: "Coach Ferentz told us about the 2009 (UNI) game, where (Iowa) blocked two field goals to win the game. You never want to underestimate an opponent. Most of them wanted to come here as kids, so they're going to come here with a chip on their shoulder and play…
— Tyler Tachman (@Tyler_T15) September 15, 2026
The Panthers were coming off a 12-3 season in which they finished first in the MVC and went to the Division I-AA semifinals, and the Hawkeyes were definitely looking past them to Iowa State. UNI was the first opponent on the schedule at the start of the 2009 season, and they did not take them as seriously as they should have. After becoming the full-time starting quarterback, Ricky Stanzi had a solid game with 242 passing yards and a touchdown, but Iowa struggled to score in the red zone, punching it in only twice. UNI hung around and had two chances to win the game late, but the football gods were on Iowa's side that day.
The Iowa special teams unit blocked two UNI field-goal attempts, sealing a 17-16 nail-biter that most Hawkeye fans will never forget. It was a stark reminder to never look past your opponents, something recently echoed by defensive back Jaylen Watson. Watson vividly recalled Kirk Ferentz talking about that game, and he stressed the importance of not underestimating any opponent. Northern Iowa consistently signs a lot of in-state kids who potentially wanted to play at Iowa, and they always enter games like this with a chip on their shoulder. Iowa is currently a 38.5-point favorite, but they can't afford to look ahead to the Michigan game.
Iowa can't look past UNI and take care of business before Michigan
Iowa looks better on paper, but games aren't won on paper. The Hawkeyes are coming off a hard-fought win in the Cy-Hawk rivalry game against Iowa State in week two and are beat up. Starting running back Kamari Moulton (day-to-day) and DJ Vonnahme (doubtful) are unlikely to play, and starting safety Tyler Brown remains out for another week. Iowa will also be without backup running back L.J. Phillips as he continues rehabbing an injury he picked up early in week one.
Regardless of the injuries, Iowa has depth at each position and shouldn't struggle against a rebuilding UNI squad. To live up to its No. 18 ranking, Iowa must do what it does best: run the ball effectively on offense and shut down the Panthers' offense. The Iowa offensive line hasn't allowed a sack through the first two games, and that must continue in week three. Iowa's defense has also been solid through two games, leading the nation in first downs allowed (16) and ranked fifth in scoring defense (6.5). It would go a long way for Iowa's confidence to completely shut down the Panthers' offense and carry some momentum into Ann Arbor in week four.
It sounds simple, but Iowa simply needs to do what it does best, and they can cruise to a 3-0 start.
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