U.N.I.’s new defensive alignment came up big in a 16-9 win over North Dakota State in the season opener and that unit will get another test this weekend against 11th ranked Stephen F. Austin. The Panthers switched to a 3-4 defense for this season and coach Mark
Farley says it fit their personnel as they tried to do things that the players were familiar with and they could do. He says they lost the size this year with the graduation of some of their tackles and ends and have tried to get the most out of the team now by going to the 3-4.
Quarterback Jeremy Moses leads a Stephen F. Austin spread offense that has thrown the ball 98 times in two games. Farley says Moses is so well coached and calm and he says they run a drop back spread, not a running spread offense.
Farley says it will be a tough game for the Panthers after watching how the team has developed. Farley has known Stephen F. Austin coach J.C. Harper since he was an assistant at Southwest Missouri State in the mid 90s. He calls him a good friend and a good man who comes from a coaching family. Farley says he talks often with Harper at coaching conventions and he’s pleased to see him have success, except when he lines up on the other side of the field.