Mark Farley
Northern Iowa coach Mark Farley says the Panthers need to take major strides in special teams play this week as they get set to host nationally ranked Eastern Washington.
Despite out rushing Iowa State and nearly equaling the Cyclones in total yards the Panthers dropped their season opener 31-7 and special teams mistakes were the major factor.
“It was one of the poorest jobs on special teams that I can ever remember”, said Farley. “Special teams is a lot of effort. They had better effort and better technique than our guys did so that is my fault.”
Illinois transfer Aaron Bailey started the game at Iowa State but the Panthers used three different quarterbacks in Ames. Farley says Bailey will be the starter this week.
Eastern Washington is seventh ranked in the latest FCS poll and is coming off a 61-42 loss at Oregon.