UNI football vs. Youngstown State game time, live stream, score prediction

CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa begins Missouri Valley Football Conference play Saturday at home against No. 19 Youngstown State. UNI is 25-8 all-time against the Penguins, 15-3 against YSU at the UNI-Dome and won the last matchup, 34-7, in 2021.

Picked sixth in the MVFC’s preseason poll, Youngstown State (2-1) is coming off its bye week. In week 3, the Penguins wrapped up their nonconference schedule with a 48-28 home win against Robert Morris.

Youngstown State is led by a formidable ground attack that’s averaging 219 rushing yards per game. A committee of ball carriers have contributed to the Penguins’ success, led by senior running back Tyshon King, who’s averaging 98 yards per game.

Here are three keys for the Panthers (1-2) against Youngstown State.

1. UNI’s defense can bend, but can’t break

Despite the graduation of All-America running back Jaleel McLaughlin, the Penguins have continued to be one of the FCS’ best rushing attacks in 2023.

The Panthers have been susceptible to allowing big plays through three games this season, so a concerted effort to contain YSU’s offense — particularly its explosive running game — is likely to be critical Saturday.

Allowing 8, 12 or even 15-yard runs — or pass plays set up by play-action — ought to be somewhat tolerable as long as King and the Penguins’ ball carriers are unable to make game-changing plays with their feet.

2. UNI needs to rejuvenate the run

UNI’s running game was OK in its win at Idaho State two weeks ago, but it wasn’t the breakout that many might have expected.

There’s plenty to be said about the timeshare that continues to evolve between Tye Edwards, Harrison Bey-Buie and Josh Jenkins, but regardless of who gets the most touches against the Penguins, UNI’s run game joining its offensive line to help make life easier for quarterback Theo Day and his receivers will be another big step forward.

3. For the UNI offensive line, protect equals collect

After allowing 10 sacks in its first two games, UNI’s offensive line kept its All-America quarterback’s jersey clean in its win at Idaho State in week 3.

Day responded to the bolstered protection with a career-high 388 yards passing, along with completing 29 of his 39 attempts.

Understandably so, junior left tackle Jared Penning told The Gazette this week that the linemen and entire team know they can win any game as long as Day has time to throw.

Simply put, protect Day and collect a win.

How to watch UNI football vs. Youngstown State (Sept. 30, 2023)

Kickoff time: 1 p.m. (CT)

TV: KCRG 9.2, Marquee Sports Network

Live stream: ESPN+

Prediction: UNI 34, Youngstown State 24