UNI football vs. Youngstown State: Live stream, 3 keys to the game, score prediction (Nov. 16, 2024)

CEDAR FALLS — For the first time in seven weeks, Northern Iowa faces an unranked Missouri Valley Football Conference opponent when it travels to Youngstown State on Saturday.

UNI (2-8 0-6) enters the game against the Penguins (3-8, 2-5) with a 26-9 lead in the series all-time and 17-3 record under Coach Mark Farley. The Panthers also enter the game on an eight-game losing streak, the longest of Farley’s 24-year tenure.

Picked seventh in the MVFC preseason poll, Youngstown State is coming off a 37-33 loss at Southern Illinois (3-7, 1-5).

Averaging 26.4 points per game, the Penguins’ offense ranks sixth in the conference. UNI’s defense ranks eighth in the MVFC, allowing 32.3 points per game.

Youngstown State’s offense is led by dual threat quarterback Beau Brungard, who ranks second in the conference in total offense, averaging 255 yards per game — 171.4 passing and 83.6 rushing.

Defensively the Penguins have struggled this season, allowing 35.6 points per game, second worst in the MVFC.

3 keys to victory

1. Ace the assignment

Brungard’s ability as a runner and passer is well-proven at this point. However, keeping him within the pocket and making him move the YSU offense with only his arm is undoubtedly the best plan of attack against the sophomore signal caller.

Although UNI didn’t play nearly as much of its three-man front defense last week against Illinois State, having another defensive back on the field to keep Brungard corralled seems like a sensible adjustment.

2. Big play search

UNI’s defense hasn’t grabbed an interception since Week 4 at Hawaii.

That lack of takeaways is among the biggest factors that ail the Panthers’ struggling defense.

Through scheme or personnel adjustments, or more likely better execution, a takeaway or two would breathe much-needed life into UNI’s defense.

3. Farley factor

With just two games remaining in Farley’s coaching career after formally announcing his retirement in a news conference on Monday, it’s fair to think the Panthers will have an emotional bump within them for the longtime coach in these last two games.

As bittersweet as it’ll be for the players, Farley’s retirement could be the intangible that provokes the snap of UNI’s long losing streak.

UNI at Youngstown State (Nov. 16, 2024)

Kickoff time: 11 a.m. (CT)

Stream: ESPN+

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

Prediction: Youngstown State 27 UNI 21