So far, Northern Iowa’s bag has been mixed.
Against one of college basketball’s toughest nonconference schedules — CBSsports.com ranks it No. 16 nationally — there have been performances that ooze progress, followed by outings that resurface the Panthers’ youth.
Some questions are answered; others, not so much. The defense has been above average; the offense, not so much. The culmination of those factors puts the Panthers (5-6) at right around the .500 mark as they look ahead to Wednesday's Missouri Valley Conference play opener against Missouri State. The talent is there to do some damage, but maintaining consistency has been the Panthers' biggest weakness so far this season.