DES MOINES, IOWA ? Mediacom Communications and Drake University officials announced today that the in-state football match-up between the Drake University Bulldogs and University of Northern Iowa Panthers Sept. 22 will be televised live throughout the state on the Mediacom Connections Channel with a 4 p.m. kick-off time at Drake Stadium.

Both teams opened the 2007 football season with high rankings. Drake is ranked No. 2 in the Sports Network Mid-Major Football poll after opening the season with the biggest victory in its 22-year history of non-scholarship football ? 27-24 decision at No. 7 ranked Illinois State. Northern Iowa was ranked No. 8 in the Football Championship Subdivision Poll.

Officials with both Mediacom and Drake said there is high interest by alumni and fans throughout the state who want a close-up view of the competitive action.

"We're excited about the opportunity for Mediacom to televise this game before a large statewide audience," said Drake Athletic Director Sandy Hatfield Clubb. "A lot of excitement is being generated for this game based on the two teams' early season success."

“We're pleased to continue the positive partnership between Mediacom and the Drake University Athletic Department, and we're especially excited that we can bring the live action of this exciting game to such a large audience throughout Iowa and beyond,” said Steve Purcell, regional vice president for Mediacom.

In addition to the Sept. 22 live broadcast, Mediacom Connections will televise full-game replays (schedule to be determined). Mediacom Connections is located at channel 22 in most areas of the state (channel 74 in Iowa City - check local TV listings for channel line-ups). View program schedules at: www.connections22.com.

Mediacom Communications is the nation's 8th largest cable television company and is one of the leading cable operators focused on serving the smaller cities and towns in the United States. Mediacom Communications offers a wide array of broadband products and services, including traditional video services, digital television, video-on-demand, digital video recorders, high-definition television, high-speed Internet access and phone service.