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UNI football vs. North Dakota: Live stream, 3 keys to the game, score prediction (Oct. 19, 2024)
Panthers bring 4-game losing streak into road trip to No. 9 North Dakota
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CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa faces its third of six straight ranked Missouri Valley Football Conference opponents this Saturday when it plays at No. 9 North Dakota.
UNI owns a 25-14 lead in the series against the Fighting Hawks and is 1-2 against UND in Coach Mark Farley’s tenure.
UNI (2-4, 0-2) has lost four straight games. North Dakota (4-2, 1-1) is coming off a 41-17 loss at No. 2 North Dakota State.
Averaging 35.3 points per game, the Fighting Hawks have scored 72, 52 and 41 points in three of their four wins this season.
UND’s run game propels its offense, averaging 208.2 yards per game. Running backs Isaiah Smith, Gaven Ziebarth and Sawyer Seidl make up a formidable trio with each averaging more than 50 yards per game.
Senior linebackers Wyatt Pedigo and Josh Navratil lead the Fighting Hawks defense. Pedigo leads the team with 36 tackles and has two sacks, while Navratil is third on the team in tackles with 28 and has a team-leading four sacks.
Here are three keys to the game for the Panthers.
1. DEFCON defense
Farley spoke about an improving defense before the 42-17 loss at South Dakota last week, but at the same time made it clear how much improvement still was needed.
It’s safe to say the loss to the Coyotes was a step back for the Panthers’ defense. It may indicate that a unit with a lot of new personnel via the transfer portal may need less turnover or a different scheme.
Farley has faced similar situations numerous times in his 24-year tenure, but this one looks to be as challenging as any. Another dismal performance defensively this week would be tough to overcome mentally.
2. Air Raid lift off?
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Matthew Schecklman got his first career start last Saturday and put forth an encouraging performance, completing 18 of 26 passes for 250 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Schecklman demonstrated an ability to push the ball downfield consistently, but also had moments where his inexperience showed.
Overall the switch to the Appleton, Wis., native appeared to be the right move. If he continues to improve, and gets some help from the defense, the Panthers may not be as far behind as their four-game losing streak makes them appear.
3. Circle the wagons
Despite there still being some positives, a four-game losing streak makes things mentally tough on any team.
Farley and his staff, along with the seniors, need to circle the proverbial wagons this week and put a performance together that they can live and move forward with.
UNI at North Dakota
Kickoff time: 1 p.m. (CT)
Stream: ESPN+
Radio: 93.5 The Mix (App available), Panther Sports Radio Network (via TuneIn)
Prediction: North Dakota 31, UNI 21
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