What UNI football worked on during its bye week: Inexperienced defense and offensive line

CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa football coach Mark Farley said a week ago that rather than calling it a “bye week,” he considered it a “work week” for his Panthers.

A 1-2 start to the season left UNI with plenty to address during its bye, as losses at Iowa State and at home against No. 14 Weber State included eight turnovers, special teams errors and a defense allowing too many big plays.

A bounceback, 41-17 win at Idaho State in Week 3 demonstrated the Panthers were headed back in the right direction. But with their “work week” in the rearview mirror, Farley pointed out Monday what got the most attention.

“At least what I found out in particular in the first three games is the inexperience on our defense was creating error and hesitancy in play,” Farley said. “So, we had to clean up some of the things we do with this unit. We knew it, but we had to understand we’re playing with probably three or four redshirt freshmen that are good players, but game experience means a lot. Without it, it hinders you some.

“So we found out what they could do and we had to clean up what they needed to be able to do.”

UNI’s offensive line also had some work to do. Nine players received snaps through the first three games, but the five who started in the Panthers’ win at Idaho State are poised to maintain those spots.

“It’s going to be the five (starters) you saw at Idaho State (moving forward),” Farley said. “I think (Jared) Penning and Blake Anderson are doing a good job together on the left side. Chase (Arends), of course, is our center. I think Keean (Kamerling) gave us something at (right) guard that we can work with and, of course (Tristan) Roper (starts) at (right) tackle.”

Farley pointed out that Iowa transfer Josh Volk worked during the bye to clean up some technique and benefited from the time off to heal nagging ailments. It seems Volk, along with either Kyle Kelly or Carson Petlon have solidified themselves as first off the bench if any starters go down.

Up next for UNI is its Missouri Valley Football Conference opener at home against Youngstown State (2-1). The Penguins — who are also coming off their bye week — most recently defeated Robert Morris, 48-28, at home. YSU ran for 256 yards in that win and is averaging a robust 219 yards per game on the ground.

“When I see somebody I look at their personnel and their personnel is so much improved and it’s an MVFC football team,” Farley said. “They’ve got the physical size to go along with the talent. There’s a reason they’re ranked.”