Northern Iowa coach Mark Farley feels the defense if making significant progress. The Panthers are coming off a 20-14 win over Indiana State and take a 2-3 record into their homecoming contest against Illinois State.

Farley says the Panthers are getting a better pass rush and doing a better job of locking down receivers.

Farley says it is more about players making plays than the game plan.

Illinois State is 2-2 overall and opened the Missouri Valley race with a loss to Southern Illinois.

Farley hopes it is a raucous crowd in the UNI-Dome

NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner will return for homecoming and Farley says he enjoys having former players who made it in the NFL address the team.