Defense prevailed over the offense for the second straight year in the annual UNI spring game, 45-40 on Friday. The defense kept the offense off of the scoreboard for the first 14 minutes of the game. Redshirt freshman defensive back Jeremy Johnson capped off the defenses performance with a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown off a Brion Carnes throw.
It was late in the game and (the offense) needed points, Johnson said. I saw the big picture when (Carnes) threw it and I had to make the most out of the opportunity.
Carnes finished with 141 yards passing and had 43 yards rushing on five carries. His competition at quarterback, Sawyer Kollmorgen, completed 16 of 20 passes for 178 yards but did not throw for a touchdown on the evening.
I could make a decision if I played next week right now, Farley said. We are going to get both of these guys ready with an equal opportunity (to start). We have to get Sawyer ready to run and we have to get Brion to make better decisions when he is on the run.
Last seasons starting running back, David Johnson, dressed for the game but did not make an appearance on the field. Johnson rushed for over 1,300 yards last season, despite battling injuries throughout.
David is 100 percent. It was my decision to keep him out, said Farley said. Quite honestly, I havent hit him once live. His first live hit will be at Kinnick Stadium.
Redshirt freshman JVeyon Browning stepped in for Johnson ands he rushed for a game-high 50 yards on seven carries. Browning found the endzone for the games first touchdown on a 24-yard run in the second quarter.
UNI only has 11 games scheduled for next season and continues to look for another Division-1 opponent to bring their schedule up to the regular 12- game schedule.
One team came to the surface but there is a lot of stuff that still needs to fall into place, Farley said. We are going after another Division-1AA and I wouldnt count out another Division-1 team. I want to play the best and I want to get our team ready for our season. Our season is our conference.
The Panthers will begin the 2014 season in Iowa City against the Iowa Hawkeyes on Aug. 30. UNI fell to Iowa 27-16 the last time they met in 2012.
