U-N-I’s Terrell Jackson returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown and the Panthers went on to a 48-7 win over Drake in the season opener for both.

Panther coach Mark Farley on the post game show on the UNI Sports Network says Jackson practices hard every day and says he plays the way he practices. Farley says they had a lot of guys working hard and showing what they can do.

It was the first game in renovated Drake Stadium and Farley was pleased with the outcome. Farley says he didn’t think it was a great idea to bring a young team to Drake, but he says the stadium is outstanding and they got to face a formidable opponent.

Scott Phaydavong had 94 yards of rushing for the Bulldogs and coach Rob Ash felt Derek Retherford had a good outing in his first start at quarterback. Ash says Retherford found his second and third receivers and will continue learning. Ash says his offense did okay considering the caliber of the opponent.

A crowd of better than 10,100 fans watched the game and Ash says it made for a great atmosphere. He says he hopes it makes people come back to see more games.