Spring football practice is beneficial for players but this spring it was especially helpful for the coaching staff at the University of Northern Iowa. New coach Mark Farley took over just days before the start of practice. Farley says they are trying to stay one step ahead. He says he is pleased with how the players have adapted. Farley says as practice progressed they were able to install some new wrinkles for next season. Farley says the purpose of spring practice was to find out what the team can and can’t do. Farley says he wants to see the line play improve on both sides of the ball. He says he wants to make sure the team gains the strength needed to win. The offense looks solid but Farley believes the defense needs to improve if the Panthers want to win a championship.The Panthers will open the 2001 season at Iowa State.