Southern Illinois Salukis
Overall Rank: #11
#2 Missouri Valley
Southern Illinois Team Page
2010 Record: (5-6, 4-4)
2010 Postseason: none
Coach: Dale Lennon (25-11 at Southern Illinois, 127-44 overall)
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Shariff Harris, RB, 604 yards
Passing: Paul McIntosh, QB, 231 yards
Receiving: Steve Strother, RB, 124 yards
Tackles: Joe Okon, LB, 71
Sacks: Jayson DiManche, LB, 5.5
Interceptions: Boo Rodgers, S, 2
In the Missouri Valley, it is all about the running game. Southern Illinois rushed for nearly 190 yards per game last year, ranking 25th in the nation. Yet, that was only good enough for sixth in the conference. With the return of Shariff Harris and Steve Strother, the running game will be stronger. However, it will be even better with the addition of Jewel Hampton, a transfer from Iowa. If Hampton can stay healthy, he could have a monstrous season and help turn the Salukis ground game into one of the best in conference, and thus, the nation.
Strengths:
While the offense grinds down the clock on the ground, the defense will win games for the Salukis and get them back to the playoffs. It all starts on the defensive front three in Southern Illinois’ 3-4 scheme. Chance Coda is one of the best in the conference and is ready for a big senior season. He may not put up great numbers since he is consistently double teamed, but that should open up space for Kenneth Boatright to have a breakout season. The middle of the line has to replace Derrick Nsubuga, but Kayon Swanson and Kyle Russo are more than capable of filling the void. The strength of Coda will give the rushing outside linebackers plenty of opportunities to get into the backfield. Jayson DiManche is the leader of that group and led the Salukis with 5.5 sacks a year ago. Travis Littles is expected to start on the other side, but he will have some competition from converted safety E.J. Clark. Joe Okon is back to lead the middle of the linebacker corps and Connor James is an experienced senior who should help replace Stephen Franklin, last year’s leading tackler. The secondary is relatively young, but there is plenty of talent to go around. Safety Mike McElroy and Nick King are experienced seniors, but youngsters Boo Rodgers and Terrell Wilson are up and coming players who could make a big impact.
Weaknesses:
The offense will be able to run, but can they pass? That will be essential to open up space for the ground game. The likely quarterback this year will be Paul McIntosh. The former Army signal caller is not a very efficient passer. In fact, he will add more to the ground game than he will to the passing game. McIntosh was a part-time starter two years ago and played pretty well, completing 67.2 percent of his passes and throwing eight touchdowns and just three interceptions. Last year he was far less efficient, but he has the talent to run the offense and with the job mostly his, he should be more confident. However, the passing game is going to struggle no matter who is under center since everybody who caught more than ten passes last season is gone. Cam Fuller, who caught just four passes last year, is the top returning wide receiver and the senior will have to be the leader of a very inexperienced group. John Lantz and Luke Standiford are likely to start or see plenty of playing time. Tight end C.J. Robertson is more of a blocker than a pass catcher, but between Robertson and Purdue transfer De’Ron Flood, the tight ends could turn into quality receiving targets this year as McIntosh will look for the easy passes more often than not.
The Bottom Line:
The Salukis can win the conference crown with their ground attack and their defense, but the passing game will need to at least be a threat. The rushing game will be one of the best in the nation thanks to a bevy of talented backs, a running quarterback and a great offensive line. Center Bryan Boemer and left tackle David Pickard will anchor a deep and experienced line that will pave the way for the bruising ground game that the Missouri Valley Football Conference is known for.
Projected Postseason: FCS Playoffs
2010 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 189.45 (25th in nation, 6th in conference)
Passing Offense: 188.73 (67, 7)
Total Offense: 378.18 (37, 7)
Scoring Offense: 30.09 (27, 5)
Rushing Defense: 153.27 (67, 2)
Pass Defense: 178.82 (28, 2)
Total Defense: 332.09 (37, 1)
Scoring Defense: 25.91 (71, 5)
Turnover Margin: -.64 (98, 9)
Sacks: 1.91 (51, 5)
Sacks Allowed: 2.00 (64, 5)
Madness 2011 FCS Football Recruit Rankings:
#42 Kyle Combs
#90 Matthew Anzelc
#124 Tanner Crum
