CEDAR FALLS - When the subject is football loyalty, Josh Mahoney does not need a second opinion.

"South Dakota was a great place and it's a great home state," said Mahoney, a starting linebacker for Northern Iowa. "But I'm a Panther."

Mahoney, of course, will wear purple Saturday when the Coyotes come to the UNI-Dome for the 2008 home opener. But the Panther junior hails from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he attended high school at O'Gorman.

And one of his brothers attends medical school at South Dakota.

"He's been giving me a little grief," said Mahoney, grinning. "But mostly he's just excited to try and make it down here to watch us play. It should be fun."

Mahoney was recruited by the Coyotes before committing to UNI. He knows roughly 15 to 20 players on the roster. Asked about USD's style of play, Mahoney gave a nod of respect.

"They play tough football," he said. "They've been real good in the (North Central Conference) and they're gonna be ready to play. They're a winning program, and they'll bring their best effort."

South Dakota is in the middle of the transition from Division II to the Football Championship Subdivision. Thus, the Coyotes moved from the NCC - UNI's old conference - to the Great West for 2008. They are not yet eligible for post-season play.

That transition is one of the reasons why Mahoney is a Panther rather than a Coyote or a Jackrabbit from South Dakota State. SDSU was also making the move away from Division II during his high school days.

"Northern Iowa was just a better program - a more established program," said the Panther linebacker. "That is what tilted the scales back then."

COYOTES ON THE RUN - Ed Meierkort is beginning his fifth season as USD's head coach, Meierkort, 49, owns a 34-13 record with the Coyotes.

The team trademark is the ground game. Last season, Amos Allen set the school record with 1,961 yards rushing.

"We're a lot like Northern Iowa in how we approach the offensive side," said Meierkort. "We're a physical team. We try to knock people off the ball where everybody else uses the spread."

CONNECTING THE DOTS - There are 10 Iowa-based players listed on the South Dakota roster, including Aplington-Parkersburg graduate Evan Capper. A 6-foot-1, 260-pound redshirt freshman and a backup nose guard, Capper made one tackle in the Coyotes' 52-0 opening victory over St. Ambrose.

UNI TUBE - Saturday's game with USD has been added to the television lineup. Cedar Falls Utilities will carry it.

The Coyote-Panther matchup is one of five recently brought to the TV schedule. Here's the complete lineup for the remainder of 2008:

Sept. 6 - South Dakota (CFU)

Sept. 20 - South Dakota State (CFU, Mediacom)

Sept. 27 - At Southern Illinois (Mediacom)

Oct. 2 - Nicholls State (ESPNU)

Oct. 11 - Illinois State (CFU, Mediacom)

Oct. 18 - North Dakota State (KFXA as part of Missouri Valley Football Network)

Nov. 8 - Missouri State (CFU, Mediacom)

Contact Jim Sullivan at (319) 291-1434 or jim.sullivan@wcfcourier.com