UNI football vs. Indiana State: Live stream, 3 keys to the game, score prediction (Nov. 23, 2024)

CEDAR FALLS — Mark Farley’s 24-year tenure as Northern Iowa football coach comes to a close Saturday at the UNI-Dome when the Panthers wrap up their regular season against Indiana State.

UNI (2-9 0-7) enters the Missouri Valley Football Conference game with a 31-5 lead in the series all-time and a 17-2 record under Farley. The Panthers also enter the game with their losing streak still intact — now at nine games.

Indiana State (4-7, 3-4) is coming off a 31-19 loss at home to Illinois State (8-3, 5-2).

Averaging 18.9 points per game, the Sycamores rank ninth in the conference. UNI ranks 11th, averaging 17.9 points per game.

On the ground is where Indiana State’s offense typically operates best. Redshirt freshman quarterback Elijah Owens averages a team-high 53.8 yards rushing per game, while running backs Plez Lawrence and Shen Butler-Lawson average 40.7 and 35.6 yards per game, respectively.

Preseason All-MVFC honorees Garret Ollendieck and Maddix Blackwell are the brightest spots on a defense that’s rarely shined this season — allowing 30.7 points per game — ranking seventh in the MVFC.

Here are three keys to victory for the Panthers.

1. Mark Farley’ finale

There’s no question Farley’s players, staff, the administration he works with and all fans in attendance or supporting from elsewhere will be pulling for a win in his last game after 24 years as the Panthers head coach.

As deep as UNI’s struggles have been this season, it’s hard to think all the emotions wrapped up into this game won’t play a factor in the final score.

2. Study guide shelf life

Last week’s matchup against Youngstown State’s offense and its mobile quarterback Beau Brungard isn’t much different than this week’s against Owens.

While the Panthers didn’t have enough success to come away with the win a week ago, their plan was sound and it stands to reason their execution is likely to be better this week.

3. Big play search (again)

A video review overturned a would-be Tucker Langenberg interception last Saturday, extending the UNI defense’s streak of games without an interception to seven.

Simply put, a takeaway or two will go a long way toward the Panthers snapping their losing streak, and sending Farley into retirement with a win.

UNI vs. Indiana State (Nov. 23, 2024)

Kickoff time: 1 p.m. (CT)

Stream: ESPN+

Radio: 93.5 The Mix (App available), Panther Sports Radio Network (via TuneIn)

Prediction: UNI 27, Indiana State 21