The UNI Panthers close out the regular season this weekend with a visit to Southern Utah. The Panthers clinched at least a share of the Missouri Valley title last week and defense has been one of the biggest factors. UNI has posted back-to-back shutouts and the defense has not given up a touchdown in 12 consecutive quarters.
Coach Mark Farley says the Panthers will be tested by Southern Utah’s run and shoot offense. He says it’s a good time to play them as it will test them in a different way and get them ready for a game against someone in the playoffs that likes to throw the ball.
Farley says Southern Utah will throw the ball all day, as he says they use a lot of BYU philosphy in what they do in their coaching. Farley says this is a much different and better Southern Utah team than the one the Panthers beat 48-10 in the UNI-Dome last season.
He says they will use four wideouts every down and throw the ball and on defense will play man-to-man. Farley says the Thunderbirds are much Better than their 4-6 record. He says they’ve played some tough opponents who are strong football teams that will be in the playoffs and in bowl games.
UNI has won or shared a conference title 14 times in the last 24 years and Farley has been a player or coach on all of those teams. He credits tradition as a major factor in the continued success of the program. Farley says everything is linked to the history and he says they teach the players to touch the UNI sign as a symbol tying them to all the other teams. The Panthers are 9-2 overall.