UNI cruises in Stepsis' debut

CEDAR FALLS (AP) — Matthew Schecklman threw four touchdown passes — including one to former Fort Dodge Dodger all-stater Tysen Kershaw — and Northern Iowa defeated Butler 38-14 in a season opener to give Todd Stepsis a win in his debut as the Panthers’ head coach.

Stepsis came from Drake where he was head coach the past six seasons.

Harrison Bey-Buie’s 1-yard run capped an 80-yard drive and gave the Panthers a 17-14 halftime lead. Schecklman threw second-half TD passes to Kershaw, JC Roque Jr., and Ayden Price as Northern Iowa pulled away.

Schecklman also threw a TD pass to Derek Anderson for Northern Iowa’s first points. Schecklman was 15-of-25 passing. Bey-Buie had 81 yards on 12 carries. Northern Iowa outgained Butler 448-336.

Reagan Andrew was 22 of 36 for 189 yards for Butler in the loss.

He also led his team in rushing with 75 yards and a score.

Nick Munson had the TD reception from Andrew. Butler had three turnovers, two leading to touchdowns.

Butler also has a new head coach in Kevin Lynch. who came over from Ball State where he was assistant head coach and offensive coordinator.