Did UNI find an answer at quarterback in Matthew Schecklman?

CEDAR FALLS — A successful football season often comes down to how many of a team’s questions it can answer.

Some of those answers come in spring practices, others in preseason camp and the remainder are either answered during the season or not at all.

One of the questions confronting UNI headed into its 2024 season was at quarterback. Matthew Schecklman’s play in three starts looks like an answer.

Averaging 232.67 passing yards per game in those starts, the redshirt sophomore threw for a career-high 270 yards and three touchdowns in last Saturday’s 49-42 loss to Missouri State. He also added a career-high 48 rushing yards.

“I think what stood out is on his runs he didn’t slide, he went for the extra yards,” UNI Coach Mark Farley said. “That says a lot to your teammates with how you play the quarterback (position).”

The compliments for Schecklman’s play extend beyond Farley. Senior wide receiver Desmond Hutson has liked what he’s seen from the young quarterback.

“I think (Schecklman) is really good. He has a cannon for an arm (and) good accuracy,” Hutson said. “Young quarterback — he’s mobile when he gets out of the pocket. So far I feel like he’s making good decisions. I like him. Good quarterback and he has a great future ahead of him as well.”

Meanwhile, Schecklman himself is working to understand how he can continue to build off the success and failure he’s experienced so far.

He credited the offensive line’s physical play and the Panthers’ run game when asked about the career highs he put up against Missouri State.

“Physicality — especially up front. Our offensive line and running backs, especially, played really well along with our tight ends and receivers blocking,” said Schecklman, an Appleton, Wis., native. “Any team with a good running game has a better passing game because of it.”

Farley said it’ll be important for the inexperienced quarterback to identify how teams adjust to him as he plays more.

Schecklman said consistency is what will keep UNI’s offense as productive as it was a week. He’s been making sure to self-scout his performances.

“I try to do a little bit of self scouting and see what I can get better at each week — whether it’s the cadence or where my eyes are — the tendencies that I have personally,” Schecklman said. “I think it’s very valuable to make sure what you’re putting out on tape you’re aware of. Very valuable to see what other teams are looking at.”

UNI (2-6, 0-4) plays at No. 1 North Dakota State (8-1, 5-0) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN+).