Early offense helps Northern Iowa past Drake 45-14

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- David Johnson eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark for the eighth consecutive game and Northern Iowa's offense was too much for Drake in a 45-14 win on Saturday night. Northern Iowa (2-0) used 31 first-half points and a stingy defense to defeat Drake (0-2) a week after opening the season with a road victory against Iowa State. Johnson scored for the 11th consecutive game, producing 143 yards rushing and one touchdown on a 65-yard scamper to lead a balanced offensive attack for the Panthers. Six Northern Iowa players scored a touchdown, including linebacker Jake Farley who recovered a fumble and returned it 20 yards to open the scoring for the Panthers. The Northern Iowa defense held Drake to 167 yards of total offense and the Bulldogs were just 1 of 16 on third-down conversions. Andy Rice passed for 121 yards and one touchdown to lead Drake.