The University of St. Thomas football team faces a major challenge as they host the University of Northern Iowa on Saturday. This will be the first time an FCS power visits St. Paul, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. After losing to Sioux Falls 34-13 in their season opener, the Tommies are looking for their first win of the 2024 season against a historically strong program. Northern Iowa opened their season with a dominant 35-7 victory, showcasing a formidable defense that limited opponents to minimal yardage. A win would not only mark a historic achievement for St. Thomas, but also avenge a previous loss to the Panthers in 2021.

In figures

• Northern Iowa defeated Valparaiso 28-7 in the first half of their season opener.
• St. Thomas were on a 31-game home winning streak, but their recent loss snapped that.

State of affairs

• St. Thomas is hoping for a comeback after a disappointing start to the season.
• Northern Iowa is currently ranked in the top 25 teams and is looking to continue their strong performance.

What’s next?

A win over Northern Iowa will give the Tommies more momentum heading into their next conference games, while Northern Iowa will look to regroup and maintain their position in the FCS.

Conclusion

For St. Thomas, this game is a crucial opportunity to establish itself in the FCS landscape and recover from early setbacks. A win would signal progress and resilience for a growing program.