The Iowa State Cyclones battle the University of Northern Iowa Panthers this Saturday in search of their first win for the season.

“We have a tremendous challenge ahead of us with the UNI Panthers,” said Football Head Coach Dan McCarney at a press conference Tuesday morning.

“UNI has a great program and have dominated the three games they have played this season,” said McCarney, “We have all the respect in the world for UNI, who has a 3-0 record so far for the year.”

UNI is ranked third nationally in NCAA Division 1-AA and has chalked up wins so far against Southern Utah (31-21), St. Cloud State(44-7), and Stephen St. Austin(38-12).

The Cyclones have lost the last two times that they have gone against the Panthers. This week’s game is the last scheduled meeting between the two teams.

Commenting on last week’s 38-13 loss against Iowa, McCarney was disappointed.

“We were embarrassing in the first half in our offense,” said McCarney. “It was totally unacceptable how we played offensively against Iowa. We have to bounce back and play better. We played two really good football teams starting off this season.”

Although McCarney views UNI as a serious challenge, he is also expecting a win.

“We’re looking at improving and pulling this team back together and making a win this weekend. We have a really tough ball game in front of us, and I’m really looking forward to the game on Saturday,” McCarney said.

Kickoff for this Saturday’s game at Jack Trice Field is at 1:00 p.m.