Northern Iowa coach Todd Stepsis says offense holds the key going forward. The Panthers are 0-2 in the Missouri Valley after a loss at second ranked South Dakota State and will return to action at home on Saturday against South Dakota. UNI turned it over five times last week.

Stepsis feels there is potential on offense.

Stepsis says success on offense begins with the run game.

Quarterback Matthew Schecklman has struggled the past few weeks and had two interceptions at South Dakota State.

Stepsis says the challenge for the Panther defense this week will be slowing down South Dakota running back L.J. Phillips. He has already topped one thousand yards on the ground.