UNI play-caller Joel Filani optimistic despite ‘Air Raid’ struggles

CEDAR FALLS — The first four games in year 1 of Northern Iowa’s “Air Raid” offense have yet to put the scheme’s dynamic, pass-heavy reputation on display.

UNI’s offense currently ranks last in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, averaging 15.5 points per game, while its passing offense ranks ninth, averaging 126 yards per game.

Despite the lackluster numbers, first-year play-caller Joel Filani was optimistic as he explained an uncomplicated path to improvement.

“I think we have to be able to find a way to push the ball deep and that’s the biggest thing,” Filani told The Gazette. “We’re getting opportunities one-on-one — we just have to be able to capitalize on that.”

While throwing the ball deep more frequently doesn’t sound too complicated, Filani acknowledged the need to create better timing between the quarterback and wide receivers, while at the same time providing the necessary protection.

Meanwhile, he’s been most encouraged by the offense’s toughness, run game and offensive line.

“We’ve shown that we can run the ball consistently,” Filani said. “Moving forward, we have to finish better. We have to stop making stupid penalties. Then, create that continuity with the quarterback and the receiver and be more explosive.”

Being explosive, more aggressive and having trust frequently came up as Filani described how the Panthers’ “Air Raid” offense can get off the ground.

However, creating the continuity he mentions between quarterback and receiver may prove more difficult. Head coach Mark Farley indicated this week that Matthew Schecklman has an opportunity to unseat Aidan Dunne as the starting quarterback.

“Schecklman can throw the ball. That’s obvious. He’s very talented,” Filani said. “Now, with that talent, can you piece it all together? Can you command the offense? Can you tell your line what to do? Can you make it right when someone is lined up wrong?”

Filani had praise for Dunne’s play, but quickly went back to how he and the quarterback both need to lean further into an aggressive mindset.

“We’re not built to last that long in the sense of the 14, the 12, the 10-play drives. They’re good, they really are, but we have to become more explosive,” Filani said. “We have to be aggressive.”

If UNI’s offense is able to show improvement this week, it’ll be especially encouraging given its opponent.

Two-time defending national champion South Dakota State (3-1) comes to the UNI-Dome at 4 p.m. Saturday (ESPN+). The top-ranked Jackrabbits’ only blemish this season is a 44-20 loss at Oklahoma State in their season opener.

“They’re just really good at what they do,” Filani said of SDSU’s defense. “It’s a championship team. It’s a consistent team that does their job really well and they rally to the ball. Then, for us, it’s understanding it doesn’t take anything spectacular. It’s just the consistency of doing it day in and day out.”

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