Article

Mavericks defense to face stiff test tonight

Northern Iowa features one of the top offenses in NCAA FCS and is perhaps the best team the Mavericks will face all season.

by Dan Myers
Issue date: 8/30/07 Section: Mens Sports

The objective, according to Minnesota State football coach Jeff Jamrog, is the same as it was in last week's season- opening victory over Central Missouri.

Gaining a similar result, however, promises to be much more difficult, as the Mavericks head to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to take on the No. 9 team in NCAA FCS (formerly I-AA) - the Northern Iowa Panthers.

"We want to come out with confidence," Jamrog said. "Our intent is to win the game, but just like last week, regardless of how that game came out, we came out with confidence."

Perhaps an early key for the Mavericks is to take advantage of the schedule.

Tonight's game against MSU is the first of the season for UNI, and like the Mavs' struggles in the opening 15 minutes Saturday, there will be rust to scrape off. If the Maverick defense can force a turnover early, it could give them the energy they need to feed off for an entire game.

"That would be huge," said MSU defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman. "We talk about turnovers all the time. Nothing is more deflating to an offense, especially early in the game."

The Panthers will have the advantage of seeing the Mavericks in action already this season. UNI has tape of last week's game against UCM and Jamrog believes Panthers coaches may have been in attendance at Blakeslee Stadium.

The fact UNI has seen MSU play shouldn't be a huge factor tonight; however Jamrog said there is plenty of strategy left in the bag for tonight's match-up.

One trick might be more running plays.

Starting running back Tory Chappell only carried the ball nine times last week. Included in those nine attempts were four consecutive runs, which helped move the Mavericks from the shadow of their own endzone to the 33-yard line. A pair of passes later, MSU was celebrating a 55-yard touchdown strike that tied the game.

"We would like to get our running game going," Jamrog said. "A lot of it has to do with match-ups we have on both sides of the ball.

"Hopefully, we can do some things to keep them off balance. The thing we need is an efficient running game and that will help our passing game."

The Mavericks boast one of the best passing attacks in the nation, but if quarterback Ben King struggles early like he did last week, Northern Iowa will put MSU away before halftime.

Unlike Central Missouri, which struggled on offense at times last week, Northern Iowa has one of the most potent attacks in the country.

"They return nine starters, a guy that could be player of the year at quarterback, some nice running backs and they're big up front," Jamrog said.

Kickoff from the UNI Dome is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Dan Myers is the Reporter Sports Editor