UNI eager for NDSU rematch in FCS Playoffs

CEDAR FALLS — 'Revenge,' wasn't the word Northern Iowa football players and coaches used Monday to describe what they wanted out of a return trip to the FargoDome and a rematch with North Dakota State in the FCS Playoffs' quarterfinals.

But when the word was brought up, there were wry smiles.

The fourth quarter from Oct. 10 still is very fresh in their minds. The quarter in which the lead changed five times, the Bison scored 21 points — the last of which with roughly 30 seconds to go — and thwarted a Panther upset bid.

Maybe they're not out for 'revenge,' but they're certainly not upset they get another crack at the four-time defending national champions.

'We wanted to play them. We knew along the road we were going to play some good teams, and we wanted NDSU to be one of them. We really did,' said linebacker Brett McMakin. 'We just need that one back. We need that one back.

'It's a rivalry. It's always been a rivalry as long as we've been here. UNI and North Dakota State is a big deal. We've got to go try to get this one and move on.'

Even when the FCS Playoffs pairings were released Nov. 29, and all five qualified Missouri Valley Football Conference teams were placed on the same side of the bracket, a cursory look at UNI's road to Frisco, Texas and the national championship game was likely going to go through Fargo, N.D.

It's hard not to see that as a possibility and not let your mind wander. The Panthers (8-4) have been in playoff mode since Oct. 24, so even if it hasn't been a major focus, it's not like this is a surprise.

'Once we saw the playoff format, as much as you don't want to look ahead to future weeks, I think there was an opportunity for us to meet up with North Dakota State and now that we're in the week, the motivation is going to be off the charts for us,' said Karter Schult. '(Revenge is there) maybe intrinsically, for some guys. I know there's a heated rivalry between us because we're two such good football programs, but for us, Coach Farley has told us it's a process.

'It's not necessarily about North Dakota State or the rivalry we have. It's about January 9. That's what our goal is. This week, it just so happens they're in the way of our goal.'

So sure, the chance exists some on the team are going to have revenge on the brain. But Coach Mark Farley was having none of the 'revenge factor' at his weekly press luncheon Monday.

That's not his message in the slightest.

'It never is (about revenge). You play with that edge, it lasts for about a quarter, maybe less,' Farley said. 'Everybody throws that out, and I've heard other teams do that — not even involving us. I think if we throw that factor into it, you're not playing for the right reason. I don't think you're in the right mind-set to make plays the way you need to for four quarters.

'It's going to come down to our prep and our talent versus theirs. Over four quarters those things will shake themselves out. A great motivational speech or revenge factor lasts for about a play.'

The pain of that fourth quarter, in which NDSU quarterback Carson Wentz threw three touchdown passes, has stayed with them.

What will motivate them against the Bison (10-2) likely will come from a variety of sources — not the least of which a championship. Farley's message is heard loud and clear most times, too.

'That last minute and 50 seconds, I remember it every day, really. That's what it came down to,' said Deiondre Hall. 'I'm going to stick with what Coach Farley said. We want it for ourselves and that end goal. And that's January 9.

'We fell short last time. We don't want to change too much, but hitting on the key points of what needs to be worked on I think is what it all comes down to.'

The players' mind-set is ultimately up to them.

Call it revenge, call it whatever, but Farley has not — and will not — stray from the same ideals that has gotten UNI to where it is now. The only motivation they need, he said, is what's waiting for them in Texas if they keep winning.

'They all make their own decisions on why they do what they do, but what we try to do — what they're going to hear all week long won't involve that, I'll tell you that,' Farley said. 'What they hear all week long is it's going to take offense, defense and special teams. It's very difficult to get to this stage. It doesn't matter who's in this.

'Man, it's hard. Once you get here, it's even more difficult to get to the next game. Prepare that way and make sure you make the most of your opportunity while you're here.'

l Comments: (319) 368-8884; jeremiah.davis@thegazette.com