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CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) David Johnson ran for 152 yards and three touchdowns, and had two receptions for 84 yards and a score, to lead Northern Iowa past Stephen F. Austin 44-10 to advance in the FCS Playoffs on Saturday night.
Northern Iowa (9-4), which handed Illinois State (10-1) its only loss, will play the Redbirds in the second round on Dec. 6.
Johnson scored on the first play from scrimmage, ripping off a 73-yard run.
Three plays later, Deiondre' Hall returned an interception 24 yards, giving the Panthers first-and-goal from the 9. A 30-yard field goal by Michael Schmadeke made it 10-0 just 2 1/2 minutes in and the rout was on.
Stephen F. Austin (8-5) ran just 18 offensive plays for 34 yards in the opening quarter with as many three-and-outs and turnovers (two each) as first downs (the second coming on a defensive pass interference).
Schmadeke added field goals of 36 and 34 yards and Johnson tacked on a 1-yard touchdown run and Northern Iowa led 23-0 at the end of the first.
