The U.N.I. Panthers try to hold on to sole possession of the Missouri Valley lead when they visit Indiana State. The Sycamores are the surprise of the league race and while U.N.I. has more experience when it comes to big games coach Mark Farley is not sure it will be an advantage in this one.

Farley says any advantage is neutralized because they are playing at home, and he says his group of players are new to this experience too. He says the main advantage is for Indiana State because they have the home field. Junior quarterback Ronnie Fouch has been a big factor in the Sycamore’s turnaround, and Farley says he is an excellent quarterback on a well coached football team.

Indiana State coach Trent Miles says the Sycamores need to contain U.N.I. quarterback Terrell Rennie. He says they have try and contain Rennie and be disciplined in their assignments. At 3-2 the Sycamores can grab a share of the lead with a win and Miles says the players are excited about the challenge. He says they have to make sure they are focused in as Northern Iowa has been the class of the conference and Indiana State has only won four game in the series.

Both teams are 5-3 overall.