NCAA.com has listed us as a potential winner over FBS NIU: https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2023-08-10/25-potential-fcs-over-fbs-upsets-2023
They were bad last year. Their injured QB Rocky Lombardi is back this year, but I certainly think we have a good chance to beat them.
I noticed the other day that there have been a couple position changes for some folks.
Zach Westmoreland who I thought was going to be a good addition to the WR room has moved to LB. That room seems pretty crowded right now. Would normally feel like an odd switch, but Branson Combs made a similar switch not too long ago. Hopefully that just means we are stacked at WR.
Ryan Chandley who seemed to have the body type for one of the tackle positions (came in as an O-Lineman), moved to DL. Not a crazy jump here, but interesting nonetheless.
Also, we have 4 kickers on the roster...that's insane. Must not feel good about anyone, which makes me a bit nervous. Have a lot of guys to cycle through if the job isn't getting done I suppose.
https://twitter.com/siu_football/status/1689789310982295552?s=46&t=G8nJ1BObqg8cwbSaAjKQCQ
Sounds like the defense got the best of the offense. Probably expected this early into camp. Offense will need to answer the bell next time the dawgs go live. Sounds like there are some weapons in the offensive skill position and 4 starters on OL back. No excuse for another sup par performance in 2023. It was nice seeing 3 very capable QBs on this highlight making plays. Good position for Hill. Returns a 3 year starter and has two good backups at QB. 18 and 10 both looked the part. RB looks loaded and 3 WR that could all be considered a top target. IMO after a bad start and finish to the 2022 season no position should be safe. Earn it every Saturday with your play. Hopefully there is a sense of urgency from the coaches down to the managers.
From the highlights hope the rushing attack improves to help take pressure off of the passing attack
The offense in general needs to improve a great deal. Always starts upfront and I think they will get better as the year goes on. Passing game needs to improve from basically only a screen and short passing game to one that can hit the big vertical routes. We were so bad on 3rd and anything and that forced our D to be playing with their backs against the wall. The teams that hit the vertical routes with big athletic QBs that like to take off on 3rd and long just broke our backs in every big 4th quarter possession in 2022. We couldn’t do that. It was a short screen or Javon trying to make a play on his own. Sounds like we have a loaded WR room. Should have some favorable matchups down the field. That should provide for some QB design runs with so much attention on our WRs.
The offense in general needs to improve a great deal. Always starts upfront and I think they will get better as the year goes on. Passing game needs to improve from basically only a screen and short passing game to one that can hit the big vertical routes. We were so bad on 3rd and anything and that forced our D to be playing with their backs against the wall. The teams that hit the vertical routes with big athletic QBs that like to take off on 3rd and long just broke our backs in every big 4th quarter possession in 2022. We couldn’t do that. It was a short screen or Javon trying to make a play on his own. Sounds like we have a loaded WR room. Should have some favorable matchups down the field. That should provide for some QB design runs with so much attention on our WRs.
Agree. Our D was under a lot of pressure and worn out at times. A good running game that can help grind out 1st downs and eat clock would improve every other facet of the team. Love that QB run. Still remember Sambursky breaking off long, exciting runs - such a weapon.
Apparently I have been asleep at the wheel again. What are the details with transfer Noah Fenske potentially not being allowed to play this year by the NCAA?
I'm not sayin' -- I'm just sayin'!
Apparently I have been asleep at the wheel again. What are the details with transfer Noah Fenske potentially not being allowed to play this year by the NCAA?
It would be his second transfer and the NCAA is cracking down on waivers for coaching changes…b/c that’s what is ruining college athletics.
He recently retweeted a former teammate getting denied. It would be a big loss if he isn’t cleared to play this year.
There's video of Deion Sanders telling players to enter the portal because he's going to replace them. No idea how he wouldn't get a waiver to play.
Luke Martin Saluki Royalty podcast with Nick Hill:
https://siusalukis.com/watch/live?Archive=7007&type=Archive
Love the content we're getting from Luke this preseason. Can't wait for basketball coverage.
https://twitter.com/siu_football/status/1691117483875287040?s=46&t=7s0hTttieSER8wqRSA0LoA
So glad Larry Warner is back coaching here - one of my all-time favorite Saluki RBs. So fun to watch - just plain twitchy!
Good to hear Strong's remarks about the O line.
Benefield looks quick in that vid clip!
https://twitter.com/siu_football/status/1691117483875287040?s=46&t=7s0hTttieSER8wqRSA0LoA
So glad Larry Warner is back coaching here - one of my all-time favorite Saluki RBs. So fun to watch - just plain twitchy!
Good to hear Strong's remarks about the O line.
Benefield looks quick in that vid clip!
Some info on Kayleb Wagner as well:
https://twitter.com/_LukePMartin/status/1691235950129545216
Dawgs need 7 wins IMO to be in the hunt for a playoff berth. 6 won’t be enough with our schedule being down. Struggling to find 7.
