UNI football vs. Illinois State 2023 game time, live stream, score prediction and analysis

CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa looks to keep its hold on second place in the Missouri Valley Football Conference Saturday at Illinois State.

UNI is 23-15 all-time against the Redbirds, 11-10 under coach Mark Farley and winless in its last two games against Illinois State (4-3, 2-2).

The Redbirds are coming off a 41-38 loss at Youngstown State last week.

Illinois State is led by a potent, balanced offense that’s fourth in the MVFC in scoring, averaging 34.1 points per game, and fourth in total offense, averaging 421 yards. Senior quarterback Zack Annexstad and junior running back Mason Blakemore will be key players for the Panthers to contain as the duo combine for 311 yards of offense per game.

Here are three keys for the Panthers (4-3, 3-1) against Illinois State.

1. Run it back

With depth at running back a major concern headed into last week’s game, running back turned linebacker Amauri Pesek-Hickson switched back to running back and was nothing short of outstanding. The junior rushed for 180 yards and one touchdown on 31 carries and was named the MVFC’s offensive player of the week.

UNI will need Pesek-Hickson to prove he’s not a one-week wonder and take pressure off quarterback Theo Day against a stout Illinois State defense.

2. Prove ‘em right

A number of personnel moves on defense ahead of last week’s game against North Dakota seemed to prove worthwhile as the Panthers shut out the Fighting Hawks.

Jahsiah Galvan moved from nickel to weakside linebacker. Edwin Dearman moved back to nickel from safety — where he played well in 2022. Rollian Sturkey was put in Dearman’s safety spot and Corry Thomas Jr. was reinserted as one of the two starting cornerbacks.

By the eye test and results, those adjustments put more speed and athleticism on the field. Now it’s up to that same 11 to prove that they’re a group worth sticking with moving forward.

3. Paup’s pass rush

Another big development with UNI’s defense last week was the return of defensive lineman Caden Houghtelling. The senior immediately made an impact, recovering a fumble and registering a sack. His presence alone suggested that there was a trickle-down effect on the rest of the Panthers defensive line, even though sack leader Cordarrius Bailey left the game in the first quarter with an injury.

With Bailey probable to play against Illinois State, defensive line coach Bryce Paup will have as deep and talented of a group at his disposal since early last season. When Paup has had his position group at its best it’s frequently been game-changing for the Panthers.

UNI at Illinois State (Oct. 28, 2023)

Kickoff time: noon (CT)

Live stream: ESPN+

Prediction: UNI 31, Illinois State 20