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UNI football vs. South Dakota State 2023 game time, live stream, score prediction and analysis
Panthers have to be squeaky clean against the top-ranked Jackrabbits
Cole Bair
Oct. 13, 2023 4:29 pm
CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa takes its three-game winning streak on the road Saturday to No. 1 South Dakota State.
UNI is 33-24-2 all-time against the Jackrabbits, 13-12 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium and lost the last matchup, 31-28, at the UNI-Dome in 2022.
Picked first in the Missouri Valley Football Conference’s preseason poll, South Dakota State (5-0, 2-0) is coming off a 40-21 win at Illinois State last week. The Jackrabbits have outscored their opponents 217-71 this season and lead the MVFC in total offense, averaging 468.4 yards per game.
SDSU is led by junior quarterback Mark Gronowski and senior running back Isaiah Davis. Gronowski is a legitimate dual-threat QB, having thrown for 12 touchdowns and run for five this season. Davis — a 2022 All-MVFC first team honoree — has caught fire the past two games, rushing for five touchdowns and 329 yards combined on 36 carries.
Here are three keys for the Panthers (3-2, 2-0) against South Dakota State.
1. UNI has to be squeaky clean
Against an opponent the likes of SDSU, the Panthers simply can’t afford mental errors such as pre-snap or post-play penalties, communication shortcomings or missing an assignment.
As uncomplicated as it may seem, the controllable aspects of their matchup against the Jackrabbits must be executed to create the opportunity for an upset against the FCS’ top-ranked team.
2. Timely defense
UNI demonstrated timeliness on defense once again in last Saturday’s 27-20 win at Indiana State, forcing two third-quarter three-and-outs and intercepting two passes in the fourth quarter.
The Panthers defense continues to improve, but still appears a ways from reaching its potential. As a result, it remains key that the defense continues to play its best in the moments that matter the most amid the breakdowns and big plays that continue to happen.
3. Theo’s day
Last Nov. 5, quarterback Theo Day and the UNI offense began a fourth quarter-drive with 2:17 remaining, tied at 28 against then No. 1 South Dakota State.
A first-down incompletion, second-down completion for 6 yards and a third-down sack for a loss of 10 is what became of that potential go-ahead, game-winning drive against the Jackrabbits.
A drive and opportunity that’s not lost on Day and the returners on UNI’s offense.
Day ultimately beat out SDSU’s Gronowski for the MVFC’s first-team honor at the position last season, but an upset win against the top-ranked Jackrabbits at their house would be the type of signature win that would cement his status as the conference’s top-QB.
UNI at South Dakota State
Kickoff time: 2 p.m. (CT)
Live stream: ESPN+
Prediction: South Dakota State 31, UNI 24