CEDAR FALLS - The RV offered just about every luxury a Panther fan could hope for during pre-game festivities.

A couch. A toilet. A television. And perhaps most importantly on a chilly Iowa evening in November - heat. Outside, tables lined with crock pots and plates of goodies rivaled pickings at a church potluck.

The purple and gold stripes on the vehicle, flag hoisted overhead and the occasional pre-game cheer left no doubt which side the RV occupants and friends were rooting for.

"This is the official Panther tailgate machine for us," said Brian Dix of Janesville.

Dix and his wife, Shelly, along with two other couples, purchased the RV to enhance their tailgating experience at UNI football games. The vehicle also serves as a handy retreat during halftime and also a post-game haven during the mass parking lot exodus.

On Saturday, the Dixes, along with fellow Janesville RV owners Steve and Brenda Stokes and Mike and Serena Zwanziger warmed up for the UNI Panther's playoff game in Cedar Falls outside the UNI-Dome. The Panthers, undefeated coming into Saturday's game, faced the New Hampshire Wildcats.

Season ticket holders as well as the occasional fan braved the cold and the crowds to come cheer on the Panthers. Some, like the Dixes, cut out a bit early from Thanksgiving weekend family gatherings to set up camp outside the Dome. The Panther devotees arrived three-plus hours before the 6:35 p.m. kickoff.

"The Panthers come first," Brian Dix said, grinning.

Some UNI students, including Mark Freed, 21, returned to campus early from the holiday break in order to make the game. The Parkersburg native didn't have to come very far, though.

Freed and UNI junior Trevor Muhlenbruch, 21, wore matching Panther-colored apparel to the big game, including canary-yellow knee socks and purple tinted glasses.

"I've been pumped all week for it," Muhlenbruch said.

Freed and Muhlenbruch enjoyed front row seats. Across the gridiron, Iowa City's Abe Eyman Casey absorbed the excitement three seats from the top.

"Well, we had a lot of better seats for the other games," the 10-year-old said. "This is OK."

The more desirable seats were already taken for this game, he said. A must-see for many Panther fans. But Eyman Casey appeared undaunted by the distance.

Earlier, Eyman Casey moved closer to give a wave to his cousin, UNI's No. 5. But it's uncertain whether D.P. Eyman recognized his relative, as the younger cousin sported a spiky purple and gold wig.

Eyman Casey's friend, Daniel Goldenstein, 10, of Iowa City, believed the Panthers will continue their successful streak, based on a clean record this season.

"UNI will win," Goldenstein said. "They are undefeated."

Panther fan Lisa Brickman of Adel also expressed faith in the home team, despite what some might consider a bad omen. Her goldfish TC, which shares the name of UNI's mascot, recently kicked the bucket.

"I'm hoping that's not a bad sign," Brickman said.

The game was available on television but the Brickmans opted for the real deal, despite chilly tailgating weather and a more than two hour drive both ways from west of Des Moines, said Brickman's husband, Tim.

"They are great," he said. "Keep it up."

The Zwanzigers of Janesville offered words of advice for their beloved football team. The couple, loyal to purple and gold, acknowledged that the Panthers faced a worthy competitor for Saturday's showdown.

"Focus, focus, focus, focus," Mike Zwanziger said. "New Hampshire is the best 4-loss team in the nation."

"Play hard," Serena Zwanziger added.

Panther fans undoubtedly hope the team will advance to the national championship game in Chattanooga, Tenn. But win or lose, the excitement of following UNI football is attractive to even the least knowledgeable fans.

"It's just a good time," Serena Zwanziger said.

Contact Karen Heinselman at (319) 291-1581 or karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.