How UNI football is turning its offense into one of the best in the FCS

CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa’s offense this season has been unlike anything Panthers football fans have seen in more than a decade.

The 409.2 yards per game of total offense is the program’s best mark since 2007, when it averaged 457.3 yards in what became a 12-1 season.

Quarterback Theo Day ranks 10th in the FCS with 1,330 passing yards and the offense he commands ranks seventh in the FCS in fewest penalties committed.

Ask first-year co-offensive coordinator Bodie Reeder all that’s gone into the Panthers’ offensive breakout and the answer is much less complicated than one might think.

“I think that we’ve done a nice job in playing catch. What I mean by that is we harp on throwing it to open people and making catches when the ball comes to you and running with the football to score,” Reeder said. “I think our receivers, our quarterback, our tight ends and our running backs have done a nice job of really using our passing game as an extension of our running game. Meaning — when you take the easy throws.”

Along with the uncomplicated approach of “playing catch” and “throwing it to open people,” Reeder also made sure to point out that confidence — along with not getting too wrapped up in what their opponents are trying to do — is necessary for the mental and physical approach of players in the offense.

“As the season goes on, coaches kind of get nerved up and it (can become) all about who you’re playing and ‘gosh dang, they run this pressure, they run this coverage or they have this pass rusher’ and it’s very, very important,” he said. “But, I think it’s important for our players to remember — and this has been our message since fall camp — it’s a nameless, faceless opponent. It doesn’t necessarily matter what they do, it’s about our execution.”

Day — who’s inarguably seen his production skyrocket in the new scheme designed by Reeder, Ryan Clanton and Joe Ganz — is operating the offense with evident skill, sound decision-making and, most importantly, gobs of confidence.

When asked about the offense’s ability to get much-needed insurance points late in last week’s 20-14 win over Indiana State, Day’s response eventually led to him stating he believes UNI’s offense could become the best in the FCS.

“Well, he better feel that way. It’s what we expect,” Reeder said. “We have a touchdown mentality every time we take the field. I don’t care if we get it at the minus-one or the plus-one.”

All facets of the Panthers offense, understandably so, are playing a part in the unit’s success.

A veteran offensive line has been highly productive in its pass and run blocking, allowing only 10 sacks and helping churn out 141 rushing yards per game.

Wide receivers Deion McShane and Sam Schnee are fourth and sixth, respectively, in receiving yards in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and tight end Alex Allen is enjoying a breakout season, averaging nearly 40 receiving yards per game while finding the end zone twice.

“Even when you lose a game you have to look at what you did well and what you didn’t do well and I would say even through those first three (losses) I think our offense was gaining confidence in what they were capable of doing,” Reeder said. “Happy for the (guys) that they’ve had the opportunity to win a couple games, but, ultimately it’s about just being a little bit better than you were last time you took the field and I think we definitely have.”

UNI (2-3, 2-1 MVFC) hosts Illinois State (2-2, 0-1) Saturday at 4 p.m. for its annual homecoming game (KCRG 9.2).