On Saturday, Sept. 5, the UNI football team trav- eled to Jack Trice Stadium to take on the Iowa State Cyclones in front of a record crowd 61,500. However, the Panthers lost, 31-7, as they had some growing pains, but the season opener always offers many chances for improvement.

Head Coach Mark Farley emphasized being in con- trol and seizing opportuni- ty during an interview after the game.

“I felt our defense was doing some good things, and there was some good things about our offense, but there was no consis- tency,” Farley said. “That’s why you didn’t feel like you could ever get control, because you didn’t have that consistent play.”

This game was a huge opportunity for the team to see what needs to happen to achieve greatness. And with more work, that con- sistency will be there.

This Saturday at 1 p.m. , the Panthers will have home field advan- tage against the Eastern Washington Eagles, who are coming off a hard loss against No. 7 Oregon, as well as losing key rover- back, John Kreifels, after a late hit against Oregon’s quarterback. Oregon came out on top, 61-42.

The Eagles’ head coach, Cooper Kupp, says UNI’s strength is in its defense. In their game against ISU, De’Angelo Jennings had eight tackles for his first time at linebacker, Deiondre’ Hall had nine tackles and two forced fum- bles while Karter Schlut added eight tackles along with two sacks.

Eagles roverback Todd Raynes notes UNI’s aggres- sion when both the quar- terback and running back carry the ball.

“[They]Are very down- hill runners who like to pound you.” Raynes said.

After giving up 731 yards to Oregon’s offense on Saturday, the Eagles defense will look to adjust to UNI’s recently acquired “ground n’ pound” play style. Both teams have a strong chance at taking home the win this Saturday. With 0-1 records, each team will be hungry for their first win of the season.