The UNI Panthers take a 2-2 record into this weekend’s start of the Missouri Valley Football race at home against North Dakota. The Fighting Hawks are ranked 15th in the latest STATS FCS poll. They are one of seven Valley teams ranked in the top 25 and the Panthers play all of them.

That’s UNI coach Todd Stepsis. North Dakota is 2-2 and nearly pulled off a shocking upset at Kansas State.

Stepsis says North Dakota will be the first of several big tests in conference play.

Stepsis says the Panthers used the bye week to work on the run game. The Panthers have averaged only 113 yards of rushing through four games.

Stepsis expects the North Dakota defense to bring pressure against the Panther offense and quarterback Matthew Schecklman.

Stepsis says the offense needs to avoid negative plays.