The UNI Panthers get set for their homecoming matchup this weekend when they host Southern Illinois in a battle of top five teams. The third ranked Panthers are 5-1 overall after a 42-27 win at North Dakota State. Coach Mark Farley says Saturday’s game showed the Panthers are not as good as many people think they are.
Farley says the team is sound and has more than one dimension. He says the special teams dimension played a big role in the last game with the blocked punt that gave them momentum. The defense did not play well but the offense and special teams excelled. Farley says they learned they need to play well in all three phases of the game to be successful.
The Salukis are fifth ranked nationally and stand 4-1 overall. Farley says it doesn’t take a lot to get ready emotionally for Southern Illinois, but they have to get ready mentally to be sure they play the game on the field.
Contributed by Elwin Huffman KOEL Oelwein