Mark Farley, UNI football still feeling confident

CEDAR FALLS — Despite being in the midst of a career-long six-game losing streak, Northern Iowa football coach Mark Farley still has a confident team.

Senior wide receiver Desmond Hutson said as much after the Panthers’ 49-42 homecoming loss to Missouri State on Saturday and Farley explained Monday why his team maintains confidence amid its struggles.

“I think the teams that we’ve played in the conference are a combined 19-4, or something like that, right now. We’ve played the top end (teams),” Farley said Monday during his weekly news conference. “ I never expect anything but (confidence) and I don’t think anybody on our team would expect anything other than that.”

The performance UNI’s offense is the latest reason for Farley and his team to keep their confidence.

After averaging just 7.4 points in the previous five games, the Panthers broke out with 42 points, 270 passing yards and 215 rushing yards in their narrow loss to the Bears.

Quarterback Matthew Schecklman — who made his third career start against MSU — totaled a career-high 318 yards in the losing effort. Farley spoke about the redshirt sophomore’s personality and leadership Monday following his best game to date.

“He’s not a quiet person, but he’s quiet vocally, so it isn’t like he’s got that loud, boisterous voice that the perception is that he’d be a leader, but I think how he played shows that he’s capable of (leadership),” Farley said. “I think the more he plays the more you’ll see that (vocal) side of him.”

Where confidence may be waning is on the Panthers’ defensive line.

UNI’s defensive ends and defensive tackles entered the season as an undersized group and the fact has presented its defensive front with its share of adversity.

As Farley continues to look for answers and said Monday three offensive lineman — namely Lance Berends and Luke Reth, who offer more size — have been practicing with the defensive line recently.

“We brought (Berends) over because he’s about 284, 290 (pounds). Brought Luke Reth over. He’s another big man that weighs about 290,” Farley said. “That’s what we’re kind of dancing with right now. At 250 (pounds) it’s hard to hold up at (defensive) tackle playing in this league and in particular this week.”

UNI (2-6, 0-4) travels to No. 1 North Dakota State (8-1, 5-0) on Saturday. Kickoff at the Fargodome is at 2:30 p.m. (ESPN+).