CEDAR FALLS - It's very simple to Mark Farley and Jon Heacock.

Put two traditionally strong programs on the same field, and you'll get a game that's difficult to win.

Certainly, that's what recent history tells us about the Northern Iowa vs. Youngstown State matchup.

Saturday, the Panthers and Penguins meet at 4:05 p.m. in the UNI-Dome. The stakes are especially high for UNI. To stay in the hunt for an at-large spot in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, Farley's team needs to win its final three games, starting with the Penguins.

Taking that first step, though, may not be easy for the Panthers. And Farley knows it.

The UNI head coach owns an 8-0 record against Youngstown State. But the Panthers have won the last two games with the Penguins by one point. Over the last five meetings, the average margin of victory for UNI has been 5.2 points.

A year ago, the Panthers escaped Stambaugh Stadium with a 21-20 victory. Darrell Lloyd blocked an extra point try to keep UNI on top.

"Youngstown is the type of school that's always gonna be in every football game," said Farley. "It's not just our football game. It's because of who they are."

Farley added, "I know it's two good football teams that have a tradition of finding ways to win. Normally, you have players who fight to the end, and that keeps you in every game."

Heacock saw the series with UNI much the same way.

"I guess on our part we're competitive and we play good football," said the Penguins' head coach. "I know on their part they're a good football that plays very well. I think it's two storied programs who both have respect for each other. The players compete at a high level.

"Hopefully, we'll hold up our end of the bargain."

Youngstown State is struggling. At 4-4 overall and 2-3 in Valley Football play, the Penguins have little chance of reaching the playoffs. They've lost two straight and three of the last four, beating only Western Illinois in that span.

Yet, YSU has more than one asset that should worry UNI.

Defense is the big one. The Penguins lead Valley Football in pass defense and stand second in total yardage allowed.

Two weeks ago, UNI played the stingiest MVFC defense in South Dakota State and scored 14 points. That's the Panthers' lowest total in 40 games.

The Panthers will also deal with an athletic quarterback in Brandon Summers.

"They're a good football team," said Farley of Youngstown State. "They've gotten beat in some way when they were in the football game, but they're a good team - as always.

"We're fortunate we have them at home."