Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Salukis prepare for key game with UNI

After five weeks of football no one (associated with or a fan of  the Southern Illinois Slaukis football team) thought they would be sitting at 2-3 overall and 1-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference.

But that is the situation in Carbondale for the 21st ranked Salukis. A team that began the season ranked 2nd but has plummeted in the polls since losing in week two to Illinois.

"We are at a point where every game is critical," said SIU Head Coach Dale Lennon. "We just have to keep the focus on the preparation and not get too caught up in the magnitude of everything and if you do that I think you give yourself a chance."

Saturday at Saluki Stadium the Salukis can firmly put the ship back on track with a win over Northern Iowa. The Panthers won't be a cake-walk for SIU as they enter with a 2-2 record and number 15 ranking.

"There is no doubt this is a big game," said SIU Head Coach Dale Lennon. "You look at the history of it and the winner has usually had an upper hand in pursing the conference championship"

With the win last week over Illinois State which ended the three game losing streak the Salukis regained confidence and can draw on recent history for extra momentum.  They have won 10 of 14 against Northern Iowa when playing in Carbondale.

"It's a big game for us as far as fans-wise and just the alumni and tradition as far as being a physical tough match-up," said Salukis defensive back Korey Lindsey. "We are just trying to keep that going on for the most part."

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