Northern Iowa football coach Mark Farley says defense has been a big part of their success in Missouri Valley play. The Panthers are 5-1 in league play as they get ready to visit Missouri State, Saturday afternoon. UNI is up to 15th in the STATS FCS Poll.

Farley says the defense still needs to be more consistent.

Farley says that defense will be challenged by Missouri State.

Missouri State is 2-4 in the Valley.

Kick-off from Springfield, Missouri is at 2-p.m., Saturday.