Peacocks Face Challenge At SW Minnesota State [Audio]

The Upper Iowa Peacocks will look to build on the momentum of their first win of the season when they face Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday (Oct. 1, 2016).

The Peacocks (1-3) face a difficult challenge playing the Mustangs. Southwest Minnesota State (3-1) features an offense that's averaging 42.8 points and 500 yards of total offense per game this season. The Mustangs have also won eight-straight head-to-head meetings against Upper Iowa and lead the all-time series 10-2.

Special teams could play a vital role as Southwest Minnesota State holds a 24.9 to 15.1 advantage in kick return average through the first four games of the season.

Upper Iowa will look to get the passing game back on track this week after establishing an impressive running attack last Saturday against Minot State in Fayette.  The Peacocks owned the ground game a week ago, racking up a 338-110 advantage in rushing yards against the Beavers. Upper Iowa had only 106 yards passing.

Plaqued by multiple turnovers in each of the first three games, the Peacocks also hope to get off to a better start against Southwest Minnesota State. The majority of their points this season have been scored after halftime. Upper Iowa is averaging 10.25 points in the third quarter, while marking the scoreboard for 4.25 in the first and 5.25 in the second and fourth quarters.

Saturday's game is the first Northern Sun Conference (NSIC) South Division battle of the season for both teams.

Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. at Mattke Field at the Schwan Regional Events Center in Marshall, Minn. Pre-game coverage on AM-950 KOEL is scheduled to begin around 5:30 p.m.

Upper Iowa football can be heard throughout the 2016 season on AM-950 KOEL with play-by-play announcer Joe Stasi, who's currently in his 14th season as the "Voice of the Peacocks" and 16th overall.

For more insight on Saturday's game, click on the audio below. Upper Iowa football play-by-play announcer Joe Stasi previews the game with KOEL Sports Director Elwin Huffman.