UNI Football vs. South Dakota: Live Stream, 3 Keys to the Game, Score Prediction (Oct. 12, 2024)

The Panthers will have to go back to basics against No. 4 Coyotes

CEDAR FALLS – Northern Iowa faces the second of six straight Missouri Valley Football Conference opponents on Saturday when it plays No. 4 South Dakota.

UNI (2-3, 0-1) enters Saturday's game at the DakotaDome with a 31-20-1 series lead and a 10-3 record in coach Mark Farley's tenure. But the Panthers are on a three-game losing streak.

South Dakota (4-1, 2-0) is coming off a 59-0 win at Murray State. The Coyotes have outscored their opponents 188-19 in their four wins this season, with their only loss coming at Wisconsin 27-13 in week two.

USD has the MVFC's top-ranked offense and defense at 40.2 points per game while allowing just 9.2.

The Coyotes are led offensively by running backs Travis Theis and Charles Pierre Jr., who rank first and second, respectively, in the MVFC in rushing yards per game and have combined for 17 touchdowns.

South Dakota's top defense is led by senior defensive lineman Nick Gaes. The Alta native was a preseason All-MVFC first-team honoree and ranks second in the conference with 4 1/2 sacks this season.

Here are three keys to victory for the Panthers.

1. Back to basics

After two interceptions, two fumbles and a punt block that was returned for a touchdown in last week's loss to No. 1 South Dakota State, the Panthers simply need to protect the football and execute better to have a chance at victory .

With another top-five opponent awaiting us and four more top-25 opponents after South Dakota, the Panthers need to get back to some good football before their season goes into a tailspin that they can't get out of.

2. The quarterback dilemma continues

Farley opted for his more experienced signal-caller last week, but Aidan Dunne was withdrawn from a third straight game in the second half for backup Matthew Schecklman.

Farley did not specify a starter at his news conference Monday, but said a decision will be made before Tuesday's practice and that the quarterback will get all the reps with the No. 1 offense this week.

If Schecklman starts for the first time this Saturday and doesn't clearly play better than Dunne, UNI's quarterback dilemma will continue into the second half of the season.

3. Tipping point slope

Win or lose, these Panthers desperately need a much cleaner, competitive game.

They're down 111-13 in their three-game losing streak and still have more questions than answers heading into Week 7.

If you look closely, there were some positives in the lopsided loss to South Dakota State, but three straight games where you have to work hard for positives is no way to make a living in college football.

Farley said all the right things this week about the team's shortcomings and what it will take from everyone involved to make things right, but time is running out to demonstrate results on the field before the playoff chances evaporate.

UNI in South Dakota

Kick-off time: 2 p.m. (CT)

Streaming: ESPN+

radio: 93.5 The Mix (app available), Panther Sports Radio Network (via TuneIn)

Forecast: South Dakota 27, UNI 14