While much of the attention at UNI will focus on a replacement for outgoing quarterback Eric Sanders coach Mark Farley says the biggest concern may be up front. The Panthers have several holes to fill on an offensive line that helped pave the way to an unbeaten regular season.
Farley says that will be the story, as the offensive line was the hidden story the last couple of years. He says they need to find three or four to fill out the line for the season. A year ago at this time it was the defense that had some holes to fill.
That’s not the case this year, as the defense is established and have the experience of playing the extra playoff games last year. Farley also feels good about the special teams, including Billy Halgren being back at place kicker.
The Panthers will need to be ready at the start of the season. They open at BYU on August 30th. Farley says BYU will be a top 12 team coming off a great season, and it will be a huge challenge to start the season. Farley says it’s a continual effort to make progress. UNI’s spring game is April 26th.