After losing a heartbreaker at homecoming, the Panthers were looking to turn things around against an undefeated South Dakota State team. That simply did not happen, as they fell 31-3 to the Jackrabbits.

The Panthers managed just three points, which came off a 30-yard field goal by Max Bartachek. Turnovers plagued UNI throughout the game, as the Panthers gave the ball away five times — four interceptions between quarterbacks Matthew Sheckleman and Jaxon Dailey, and one fumble recovered by the Jackrabbits.

The Panthers’ struggles started early after a first-quarter touchdown from South Dakota State. Quarterback Chase Mason scored on a 2-yard rushing touchdown, followed by an extra point from Eli Strader to make it 7-0. Late in the second quarter, Mason found the end zone again on another 2-yard run, extending the Jackrabbits’ lead to 14-3 at halftime.

After about 13 minutes of scoreless play in the third quarter, Mason connected with Greyton Gannon for a 22-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-3. The Jackrabbits continued to roll in the fourth, with Mason throwing another touchdown to Andrew Gustad. A 30-yard field goal from Strader capped off the game, sealing a 31-3 win for South Dakota State.

The Jackrabbits improved to 6-0 on the season, while the Panthers dropped to 2-4. UNI will look to bounce back when they host South Dakota on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the UNI-Dome. The Coyotes (3-3) are coming off a 19-11 win over Indiana State. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.