U.N.I. coach Mark Farley says the off week came at the right time for the Panthers. U.N.I. dropped back-to-back games to Southern Illinois and South Dakota State and begin the stretch run at home this weekend against Youngstown State. Farley says they are starting to get back to full strength after having some injuries. He says some of the players had not been able to practice and the time off allowed them to get back.
Youngstown has also dropped consecutive games to Southern Illinois and South Dakota State and the Penguins are 2-3 in the Valley. Farley says Youngstown has always been a great football team, and they have a very athletic quarterback and a good defense.
Youngstown coach Jon Heacock says this will be a tough matchup for his team, as he says the Panthers are very good and well-coached. He says playing at U.N.I. is always tough.
This series has featured close games and this weekend could feature another one. Heacock says he hopes they can be competitive and play well. He says they are two storied programs that have a respect for each other.