The U-N-I Panthers have the first of a number of big games in the Gateway Conference race when they visit Youngstown State. The Panthers are 2-0 in the conference race and 4-2 overall while the Penguins are 6-1 overall, 3-0 in the Gateway and ranked fifth in one-double-a. Coach Mark Farley says it’s a huge game and every game from here on out is a critical game because they face the top half of the league.
Farley says Youngstown State is playing confident football. He says Youngstown runs power football and are playing fast defense and believe they can win. Farley says they’re also playing in front of a homecoming crowd and expect to have a real battle on their hands.
Farley says it is a chance for the Panthers to get a big win in a hostile atmosphere. He says he doesn’t enjoy being up against those type of odds, but says he enjoys the competitive part of the game and putting together a plan.
Youngstown State coach Jon Heacock says the Panthers are a tough matchup, as he says they’ve gotten better every game. Heacock says it’s the same tough team you always see against Northern Iowa
Heacock says the U-N-I defense has gotten better as it has gained experience. He says they’re growing old and are maturing as the season is going on and he doesn’t see many holes in U-N-I’s armor.