Southern Illinois Salukis
Missouri Valley
With a 7-5 record, Southern Illinois snuck into the playoffs. However, the schedule has been pretty tough. The Salukis got off to a 0-2 start with a 42-34 loss at Illinois and an overtime loss to Eastern Illinois. In the end, both of those losses were very understandable and SIU deserves some credit for hanging in there. The same can be said for defeats to Youngstown State and North Dakota State. A 37-27 loss to Missouri State was nearly the end of any playoff hopes, but they did finish with must needed wins against Illinois State and Indiana State.
2013 Record: 7-5, 5-3
Coach: Dale Lennon
Big Wins: 10/5 at South Dakota State (27-24), 10/12 at Northern Iowa (24-17)
Bad Losses: 9/28 Youngstown State (27-28), 11/9 Missouri State (27-37)
Strengths:
The Salukis do have the most prolific passing attack in the MVFC. That is not saying too much, but quarterbacks Kory Faulkner and Ryan West have gotten the job done for the most part. Faulkner will spend more time under center and threw for 1,997 yards and 18 touchdowns on the year. West is more of a traditional pocket passer and will get at least a series or two every game. Coach Dale Lennon can then ride the hot hand. John Lantz, who throws some passes himself, is the big play receiver and caught 51 passes for 885 yards and five scores. LaSteven McKinney and tight end MyCole Pruitt are the other top receiving options. SIU will attempt to establish the run as much possible with Malcolm Agnew. The junior back rushed for 888 yards and six touchdowns this year. Ken Malcome, who spent some time at Georgia, is the power back.
Weaknesses:
The big problem Southern Illinois has is their pass defense. The run defense has done a solid job, allowing about 130 yards per game, but the secondary has given up 260 yards per contest. Cornerbacks Chris Davis and Terrell Wilson have allowed big chunks of yardage through the air, but a lack of a pass rush does not help. Linebackers Bryan Presume and Tyler Williamson spend some time in the backfield and are a huge reason why the rush defense is so strong, yet the line must win some battles in the trenches in order for Southern Illinois to make a serious run in the playoffs this year.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Malcolm Agnew, RB, 888 yards
Passing: Kory Faulkner, QB, 1,997 yards
Receiving: John Lantz, WR, 885 yards
Tackles: Bryan Presume, LB, 104
Sacks: Jordan Poole, LB, 4.0; Brandon Williams, DE, 4.0; Tyler Williamson, LB, 4.0
Interceptions: D.J. Cameron, S, 2; Chris Davis, CB, 2; Anthony Thompson, S, 2
2013 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 147.2 (78th in nation, 6th in conference)
Passing Offense: 237.4 (42, 1)
Total Offense: 384.5 (55, 3)
Scoring Offense: 28.3 (54, 4)
Rushing Defense: 130.4 (25, 2)
Pass Defense: 260.0 (106, 10)
Total Defense: 390.4 (65, 8)
Scoring Defense: 26.6 (68, 8)
Turnover Margin: 0.1 (51, 6)
Sacks: 2.00 (57, 8)
Sacks Allowed: 1.27 (24, 2)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2009 First Round Defeated Eastern Illinois
2009 Quarterfinals Lost to William & Mary
2008 First Round Lost to New Hampshire
2007 First Round Defeated Eastern Illinois
2007 Quarterfinals Defeated Massachusetts
2007 Semifinals Lost to Delaware
2006 First Round Defeated Tennessee-Martin
2006 Quarterfinals Lost to Montana
2005 First Round Defeated Eastern Illinois
2005 Quarterfinals Lost to Appalachian State
2004 First Round Lost to Eastern Washington
2003 First Round Lost to Delaware
1983 Quarterfinals Defeated Indiana State
1983 Semifinals Defeated Nevada
1983 Championship Defeated Western Carolina
*all team stats through 11/16