Game could have FCS playoff implications
Missouri State quarterback Jacob Clark looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Editor’s note: Eighth in a 12-part series looking at the Northern Iowa football opponents in 2024.
CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa will return to the UNI-Dome for its eighth game of the season and its final Missouri Valley Football Conference matchup against Missouri State.
The Bears announced this May they had accepted an invitation to join Conference USA, effective July 1, 2025 — which will include a transition from the FCS to the FBS.
The Panthers will look to avenge last season’s 35-16 loss in Springfield, Mo., that sunk their chances of making the FCS playoffs.
The Bears offense is poised to be led by 6-foot-5, 226-pound quarterback Jacob Clark. Clark started four games in 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury, but won an MVFC offensive player of the week award after a 414-yard, five-touchdown performance against Utah Tech.
Leading rusher Jacardia Wright returns, but MSU is replacing its top two receivers who totaled 1,519 yards last season. Meanwhile, all five starters return on the offensive line, a group that boasts 57 combined career starts.
Safety Todric McGee returns to lead the Bears defense after totaling 102 tackles, six pass breakups and two interceptions. McGee’s tackle numbers were indicative of a struggling defense, though, as MSU finished last in the MVFC in passing defense and 10th in rushing defense.
Two of three starting linebackers return, but will be challenged for their spots by transfers. Sacks leader Devin Goree transferred to UTEP this offseason, but the Bears’ three other defensive line starters return.
UNI vs. Missouri State: 3 things to watch
1. Beyond the (defensive) numbers
After a tough start last season, Missouri State’s defense settled in and became an average, to above average unit in the back half of its schedule.
Second-year coach Ryan Beard — who was previously the Bears defensive coordinator — is likely to get his defense off to a better start in 2024 after a season’s worth of experience being head coach. While improvement is likely, UNI’s “Air Raid” offense should be a telling matchup of which unit has come the furthest since both convened this spring.
2. Containing Clark
Returning quarterback Jacob Clark threw for 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023 before losing his season to injury after just four games.
He’s a big bodied quarterback with a strong arm and mobility, and potential to be first team All-MVFC. Questions about the Bears offense after Bobby Petrino’s departure to Arkansas were quickly put to rest last season after leading the MVFC in passing with Petrino’s son, Nick, calling the plays.
3. Foul farewell
With Missouri State leveling up to the FBS and joining Conference USA after this season there will be extra motivation for all MVFC teams to send them packing with a loss. UNI also owes the Bears revenge after a 35-16 loss in Springfield last season and it’s likely the playoff implications of this game will be just as intense as 2023’s tilt.
UNI vs. Missouri State prediction
With the return of Clark at QB, all five of its starters on the offensive line and a defense highly likely to improve, the Bears have the makings of a playoff team in their final FCS season.
Making the 24-team field is likely to require a win at UNI and Clark proves too much to handle inside the UNI-Dome, leaving the Panthers 4-4 with three preseason top-25 opponents left in their last four games.
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Publish date : 2024-08-09 00:30:00
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