UNI football vs. Missouri State: Live stream, 3 keys to the game, score prediction (Oct. 26, 2024)

CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa faces its fourth of six straight ranked Missouri Valley Football Conference opponents Saturday when it hosts No. 18 Missouri State in its homecoming game.

UNI (2-5 0-3) enters Saturday’s game against the Bears (5-2, 3-0) with a 35-8 lead in the series all-time, including 19-4 in head coach Mark Farley’s tenure. Despite that success, the Panthers hope to avoid the wrong kind of history this week, as a loss would extend their losing streak to six games — the longest of Farley’s career.

Averaging 34.6 points per game, the Bears have scored 28, 31, 38, 41 and 46 points in their five wins this season. Meanwhile, UNI’s defense has allowed 31 points or more during its five-game losing streak.

Missouri State’s top-ranked MVFC passing offense leads the conference by a wide margin. Senior quarterback Jacob Clark’s 2,252 yards this season ranks fifth in the FCS.

A defense that ranks fourth in the MVFC — allowing 24 points per game — has been more than good enough to make Missouri State a formidable opponent.

Senior defensive lineman Jalen Williams’ five sacks are third-most in the conference. Behind Williams, senior linebacker Tahj Chambers ranks third in the MVFC with 60 total tackles.

Here are three keys to the game for the Panthers.

1. Restart the run game

UNI’s best football happened at the beginning of the season when it was running the ball as well as any team in the FCS, let alone the MVFC.

Center Keean Kamerling missing the last two games has undoubtedly impacted the Panthers’ ability on the ground, but the dropoff from their early-season success has been too steep to pin on one injury.

Kamerling (undisclosed) is probable to return against Missouri State, but whether or not he does, snapping the five-game losing streak will likely have plenty to do with restarting the run game.

2. Third phase factor

An often overlooked way to get out of a funk is a sound special teams performance.

If UNI’s offense fails to score, punter Noah Pettinger flipping field position matters more than ever.

The same goes for JC Rocque Jr.’s ability to gain field position with punt and kick returns, and kicker Caden Palmer’s ability to make field goals when he’s called upon.

While the offense and defense continue to be scrutinized, special teams could go a long way toward snapping the current losing streak.

3. Home(coming) cooking

Coaches and players don’t want to make excuses, but the Panthers’ schedule has been absolutely brutal.

UNI’s strength of schedule ranks sixth (Massey). Beyond the quality of opponents, just one of the past seven weeks has featured a home game. That one tilt at the UNI-Dome was against then-No. 1 South Dakota State.

The Panthers have had numerous tough schedules during Farley’s tenure, but this season’s is undoubtedly the toughest. If nothing else, being back at the UNI-Dome with a homecoming boost might be just what the football doctor ordered.

UNI vs. Missouri State (Oct. 26, 2024)

Kickoff time: 4 p.m. (CT)

Stream: ESPN+

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

Prediction: Missouri State 31, UNI 17