UNI football vs. North Dakota 2023 game time, live stream, score prediction and analysis

CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa looks to bounce back from a lopsided Missouri Valley Football Conference loss at No. 1 South Dakota State last week against No. 9 North Dakota in its annual homecoming game Saturday at the UNI-Dome.

UNI is 25-14 all-time against the Fighting Hawks, however, Coach Mark Farley is 0-2 all-time against UND, including a 29-27 loss at North Dakota in Week 2 last season.

Picked fourth in the MVFC’s preseason poll, North Dakota (4-2, 2-1) is coming off a 49-24 win against then-No. 7 North Dakota State last week.

The Fighting Hawks are led by a potent offense that’s second in the MVFC in scoring, averaging 38.2 points per game. Their offense is led by a balanced attack courtesy senior quarterback Tommy Schuster and sophomore running back Gaven Ziebarth, who average a combined 262.9 yards per game.

Here are three keys to victory for the Panthers.

1. Ball security

There’s nowhere else to start with keys to the game this week.

After losing three fumbles and quarterback Theo Day throwing two interceptions last week, the Panthers must prove they’re capable of protecting the football again. Especially against a North Dakota team more than capable of capitalizing on those mistakes.

2. Make ‘em matriculate

Big plays have continued to plague UNI’s defense this season.

It’s a big reason why “timely defense” was a key the past two weeks as breakdowns have become expected, but have proved to be overcome by defensive stands in previous games’ biggest moments.

Against a potent, balanced offense like North Dakota’s that can create big plays in the air or on the ground, it’s hard to envision a win without the Panthers defense being hell bent on keeping UND in front of them on defense.

3. Runnin’ on empty

With running back Harrison Bey-Buie out indefinitely with an upper-body injury, and Tye Edwards and Josh Jenkins questionable for Saturday’s game with injuries of their own, it’s possible the Panthers could be without their top three ball carriers against North Dakota.

Even if one of Edwards or Jenkins plays, offensive coordinator Bodie Reeder will need to have found a way in practice this week to prepare Zach Brand or JC Roque Jr. for a handful of carries or more. Among the two, Brand’s debut was most promising, gaining 30 yards in six carries last week.