In week 11, it is monotonous and grinding. In week 12, it is a blessing, because for the Northern Iowa football team it means it is preparing for a FCS playoff game.
There were was plenty of jump and energy Monday inside the UNI-Dome as the 20th-ranked Panthers (7-4) began preparing to host Monmouth University (9-2) Saturday at 4 p.m. in a first-round FCS playoff game.
After missing the 24-team field a year ago during a rough 5-6 season, and then beginning the 2017 season 2-3, UNI definitely feels fortunate to be at home playing football Thanksgiving weekend.