Panthers In Town

Saturday August 30th the Cougs take the first step towards a possible BCS berth when they face up against the Northern Iowa Panthers. From the Gateway Conference, the Panthers posted a 12-1 record last year. They are coached by Mark Farley in his seventh year with an overall record of 63-25. Coach Farley was named the national coach of the year for FCS schools in 2007. Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, Iowa and the campus covers over 900 acres. There is an undergrad enrollment of 12,607 (postgrad enrollments sits at 1,600). The university was established in 1876. A few notable names you might recall from the Panthers in previous years include Mike Furrey (Detroit Lions) and Kurt Warner (2 Time NFL MVP).

On offense junior QB Pat Grace (6.2/235) is a former option high school quarterback who replaces all everything Eric Sanders. Grace saw limited playing time in 2007 and his offensive line will be anchored by senior Bob Swift (6.6/315) who is making the switch from offensive guard. In 2008 the Panther's starting OL will average 6.4/301 (the Cougs avg OL size runs 327). Austin Howard (6.6/280 JR) will switch positions from TE to left tackle. In the backfield look for senior Corey Lewis (6.1/197) to be heavily relied upon. Last season Lewis had 16 TDs and over 1500 yards. Fortunately the Cougs have some serious talent and depth on the DL which will help immensely to help slow Lewis down. The Panther wideout's consist of Victor Williams (6.4/227) and Johnny Gray (5.9/185) both of which are seniors. Gray like ole Luke Staley is an explosive threat just waiting to go all the way every time he touches the ball. He totaled over 900 yards receiving with 5 TDs. Williams is a huge target and will likely be used often inside the red zone considering possible matchup problems. The Cougar secondary may receive a quick education matched up against the potent Panther passing offense. This could be key to the Cougars success.

Defensively in 2007 the Panthers (per matchup) only surrendered 91 yards through the ground and gave up less than 17 points on the scoreboard. Northern Iowa returns 7 defensive starters. James Ruffin (6.4/254 JR) is an all american candidate in 2008 and has some great speed and foot quickness. Middle linebacker De'Veon Harris (6.1/215 SR) finished second on the team in tackles. At DE Mark Huygens (6.6/277 SR) will also look to apply some serious pressure. There may just be way too many weapons for the Panthers defense to consistently shut down as the Cougs will come at them in all directions.

In the secondary three out of four starters return. Darrell Lloyd (6.0/191 SR) had 3 INTs last season. Despite the secondary experience returning that may very well be the weak link. It will be interesting to see how they fare matched up against the likes of Collie, Reed and Pitta. The Panthers are a very good team and look for them to keep the score respectable in the first half. In the second half Northern Iowa likely will wear down and the Cougs begin to pull away.