When UNI visits Iowa State on Saturday, it will be the 5th time in the last 8 seasons that the Panthers have walked into Jack Trice Stadium. But for one guy wearing purple it will be an entirely new experience.
UNI wide receiver coach Todd Blythe was an All-Big 12 performer when he played for Iowa State nearly a decade ago. He says it will feel a little strange going to Ames as a visitor. “I have a lot of great memories in that stadium, as a player in that stadium and for that university, but I am a coach here at UNI and I love it here and I love wearing the Purple and Gold and I’m just excited to get in there and watch our kids play and come out with a victory,” Blythe says.
This is Blythe’s second season on the UNI staff. He says that coaching has helped him develop a deeper understanding of the game, learning more about football as a whole. Blythe coached runningbacks his first year and now says he is more comfortable coaching the receivers.
After the Panthers finished and uncharacteristic 5-6 a season ago, Blythe says he’s seen a lot more urgency from his players. “That stings a little bit. A 5-6 year at the University of Northern Iowa is like a 2 or 3 win season anywhere else,” Blythe says. He says they have high expectations and a history of winning conference championships and they want to get back to that level.
By Jesse Gavin KCNZ Cedar Falls