The University of Northern Iowa Panthers entered the second half of their eventual 62-7 victory over Indiana State University with a 42-0 lead. At that point it was clear that the first-stringers had done their part, providing an entire half for their backups to get more experience in real game situations.

For redshirt junior running back Matt Strathman, however, the second half was more than just getting repetitions. It was an audition. “Every opportunity I get I try to do my best and hope for more playing time. I want to be able to help out this team every way I can,” said Strathman.

Strathman put on a masterful performance for his coaches, family and the remaining 14,860 fans in attendance at the UNI-Dome Saturday. The third-string running back racked up 136 yards off 16 carries, including a 49-yard scamper in which he found the end zone.

His most impressive run of the night, though, was a 23-yard rush in the third quarter that resembled more of a train ride. After being hit near Indiana State’s 35 yard line, Strathman drug a gang of Sycamore defensemen about 10 more yards to the 24. With a shoulder pad hanging outside his jersey, he exited the field to a standing ovation.

“It was an amazing feeling,” Strathman said.

Such recognition is somewhat new to the walk-on. Coming into Saturday’s game, Strathman had run the ball only eight times in his career, gaining a total of 76 yards.

Most of those carries came in the Panthers’ home opener versus the University of South Dakota. Strathman led UNI in rushing that game as well, acquiring 69 yards on five rushes. The Panthers came into the second half of that game with a 45-7 lead, setting the stage for Strathman and other backups to get some playing time. Strathman took the same approach that game too.

“As a walk-on, you definitely feel like there’s something to prove and getting the chance to prove that makes it feel that much more great,” said Strathman.

The South Dakota game, and most notably his performance against Indiana State, did not go unnoticed to those in which Strathman wanted attention.

“(Strathman) showed something to me at the end of the day. That’s the second game in a row where he’s ran that hard,” said UNI head coach Mark Farley.

“I’m not so sure that he shouldn’t be playing a lot more in critical situations because he is a strong runner. He makes great cuts, and he’s got good speed. He’s probably one of the strongest guys on the team, if not the strongest.”

A graduate of Winnebago High School in Rockford, Ill., Strathman earned all-conference honors twice not as a running back, but as a linebacker. Prior to this season, most of Strathman’s on-the-field experience came on special teams where he recorded four tackles last season.

Strathman and the Panthers (4-1) have now turned their focus to North Dakota State University (1-4). UNI will travel to Fargo next Saturday to take on the Bison at 3:07 p.m. The match will be the Panthers’ debut in the Fargodome.