SIU heads out on the road and faces Western Illinois on Saturday in Macomb, IL. Last season, Western Illinois joined Illinois State in quitting after starting 1-5.
The Leathernecks are 1-3 this season with losses at Ball State, at #4 Montana, and at home vs #7 Eastern Washington. They have a win at Youngstown State last week. Western Illinois was picked last in the MVFC in the preseason poll.
Despite the 1-3 record, Western Illinois should not be taken lightly. The Leathernecks went down 55-21 at halftime to Eastern Washington 2 weeks ago and nearly came all the way back losing 62-56. And then last week Western Illinois went down 35-7 at Youngstown State in the 2nd quarter and finished their comeback winning 38-35.
Western Illinois is coached by 4th year head coach Jared Elliott who was promoted to Head Coach from his offensive coordinator position when Charlie Fisher left to become the WR coach at Arizona State. Elliott is 8-25 as head coach.
Leathernecks to Watch:
Western Illinois' QB is 6'3 Senior Connor Sampson. Sampson has thrown for 1,219 yards so far this season with 10 touchdown and 4 interceptions. Last week in the Youngstown State win, Sampson went 33-48 for 316 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT. He was named to the 2nd team All-MVFC in the preseason.
The Leathernecks' leading WR is 6'2 Senior Dennis Houston. Houston has been very impressive this season leading the team with 37 catches for 565 yards and 5 receiving touchdowns. In the preseason, Houston was named to the 1st team All-MVFC.
Massey Ratings:
Massey Ratings gives SIU a 37-27 victory and a 72% chance of winning
As of 9/28 the weather in Macomb on Saturday looks like this:
A chance of showers before 8am, then a chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Links
Leatherneck Nation Message Board
Jerry Kill is apparently working for TCU and was concussed after being knocked over by his own players during a fight
https://twitter.com/ChrisVannini/status/1442277356912193537
https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/college/big-12/texas-christian-university/article254567612.html
Patterson said TCU special assistant Jerry Kill was diagnosed with a concussion after being knocked over twice during the fight, including once by his own players. Multiple video angles from the fight show that Kill had been knocked over by his own players.
If SIU starts this game anything like the ISU game it’s going to be a long day for the Dawgs. Western looks much better than their record would indicate. Could be a high scoring game with the team that has the ball last winning.
If SIU starts this game anything like the ISU game it’s going to be a long day for the Dawgs. Western looks much better than their record would indicate. Could be a high scoring game with the team that has the ball last
I agree about not starting slow, but ISU has a pretty solid D so they deserve some credit. Western hasn’t given up less than 31 points so far this year. Their Defense has been really bad, granted they’ve played a pretty strong schedule. I think we should be able to put up some points, I’m more worried about our secondary. We have to get pressure on their QB and we can’t afford to send many blitzers to get home (really need to do it with 4-5). We’ll need to give our CBs as much help as possible over the top as they have some really talented WRs.
Like others have said, their record looks bad, but they’ve played pretty stiff competition to date (aside from YSU who they beat).
weather could play a factor. 65% chance of rain at kick and increasing to 80% by 5. Dawgs need to put together a 4Q game.
If it is wet and it limits the passing attack, I feel better about our ability to run the ball than theirs.
If it is wet and it limits the passing attach, I feel better about our ability to run the ball than theirs.
Not sure if there's any news on Romeir Elliott but he'd be a nice addition if he's ready to go. Western Illinois' rushing attack didn't look very impressive from what I saw. The QB seems like a pocket passer and Dennis Houston is one of the most impressive WR's in FCS.
Looking at the radar, might avoid rain during game time.
If it is wet and it limits the passing attach, I feel better about our ability to run the ball than theirs.
Not sure if there's any news on Romeir Elliott but he'd be a nice addition if he's ready to go. Western Illinois' rushing attack didn't look very impressive from what I saw. The QB seems like a pocket passer and Dennis Houston is one of the most impressive WR's in FCS.
Heff tweeted that it looks like Elliot will be available.
Lightning delay
Not sure why it’s still delayed… the radar looks clear.
Reis said they are looking at starting around 3:40 Central time. The sooner, the better. I am not a fan of the hip music that they are playing on CIL-FM.
Good start for the Salukis. First drive interception
Touchdown Lenoir. He’s been fun to watch this year
