NORMAL, ILL. - Mark Farley's thoughts have strayed from the challenge that awaits his football team at noon Saturday.

Northern Iowa's head coach knows all about Illinois State - its passing game and its agenda. He has given the Redbirds plenty of time, just as he does with any opponent.

Farley is also well-aware of the potential reward a successful Saturday could bring. He thinks the Panthers will land an at-large playoff spot, should they beat ISU in Hancock Stadium.

That announcement from the Football Championship Subdivision selection committee will come Sunday. Meanwhile, the coach wonders, if only for a second.

"You do catch yourself thinking about the fact of what we need to do," said the UNI head coach. "We need to win."

Farley also said, "There are no guarantees for anybody. We just have to go play our game. Hopefully on Sunday we'll be in a position to know we have something to look forward to seeing. Hopefully, we'll get another day to play."

Since UNI lost successive games to Southern Illinois and South Dakota State, its play has been improved. The Panthers dominated Youngstown State with defense and a relentless rushing attack. Then they used big plays in the passing game and another strong defensive effort to blank struggling Western Illinois.

Now comes Illinois State. Under first-year head coach Brock Spack, the Redbirds are improved. The victory total is up to five, one year after Denver Johnson guided ISU to three wins in his final season on the job.

Illinoid State will spread the field and throw to one of the best receivers in the FCS - Eyad Salem. Matt Brown has completed 63.6 percent of his passes, and he ranks only behind UNI's Pat Grace among Valley Football quarterbacks in efficiency.

Yet Illinois State's defense stands just eighth - next to last - in yards allowed at 376.7 ypg. And the same Youngstown State team that fell at the UNI-Dome beat the Redbirds, 30-18 last weekend. That loss ended ISU's three-game winning streak.

At 5-5 overall, Illinois State has more than one goal in mind Saturday. The Redbirds can secure their first season above .500 since 2006 and they can knock off a ranked team in No. 9 UNI.

"It's gonna be a big game for everybody involved," said Spack.

He added, "It's gonna be a great game, I think."