Illinois State will look to bounce back from a disappointing season opener last week at home against South Dakota, when the No. 15 ranked Redbirds (0-1) travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to take on No. 3 ranked Northern Iowa (1-1) Saturday afternoon at the UNI Dome in Missouri Valley Conference college football action.

Sophomore quarterback Bryce Jefferson, in his home starting debut against South Dakota, set career highs for completions (15), passing yards (280), rushing yards (65) and touchdown passes (1) against the Coyotes, and had three completions of over 50 yards in the contest. However, he also accounted for four interceptions and two fumbles in the contest, which featured big moments in the first half and tough outcomes in the second half.

Dom Williams scored two touchdowns, and the UNI defense held Youngstown State to just 135 yards of offense as the Panthers improved to 1-1 on the season with a 21-0 win over the Penguins last Saturday at Stambaugh Stadium. 

Walk-on offensive lineman Chase Arends was named the MVFC Offensive Lineman of the Week after stepping into the starting lineup for the Panthers in the win over Youngstown State. Three Panther starters for week one were unavailable for week two because of COVID protocols and contact tracing, which gave Arends the start at center. He and the rest of the offensive line helped the Panthers pickup 191 yards rushing and he did not give up a sack.

ISU has won four of the last seven games against the Panthers, but have not won at the UNI Dome since a 33-21 victory in 2012. The Panthers won the last meeting between the two teams 27-10 last season at Hancock Stadium and have won the last two meetings overall.