Northern Iowa remains the top dog in the Great Midwest after a 38-12 defeat of Marquette Saturday.

While this may seem like a fairly big win for UNI, this was as close a game as Northern Iowa has had this year.

This was a well-played match, fast, disciplined, and entertaining.

Marquette surprised UNI with two tries in the opening 10 minutes, running through the phases and retaining possession. But after that Northern Iowa started to claw back and tied it up 12-12 at halftime. 

Their scrum began to test Marquette and as the second half progressed they began to earn some penalties that put Marquette under pressure.

Both sides had their moments Northern Iowa’s halfback combo began to find gaps, Despite strong winds, Northern Iowa began to pull away.

Also in the Great Midwest, Loyola edged Chicago 26-25 in a dramatic encounter. 

“The difference-maker was discipline, grit, and heart from the guys,” said Loyola Head Coach Sal Carfagno.

Chicago led 15-7 at halftime and scored twice early in the second half to lead 25-7. Crucially, however, they were unable to convert those two tries.

“Then something happened,” said Carfagno. “We locked in mentality.”

A yellow card to Chicago kind of undercut their momentum, and, added Carfagno, “we just ignited.”

Carfagno credited the early-morning preseason sessions that built mental strength.

“It’s the culture we’ve built. It’s the packed stands of fans screaming in support for the boys. A huge impact from our finishers. Once you have that it’s pass-catch and nose-to-the-pitch and grind it out.”

Scrumhalf James Ziener scored the late try to make it 25-24, and Loyola won it with Tommaso Chiaramonida’s conversion.