Homerism At Its Finest Part I: I'm Psyched About Saluki Football

When it comes to SIU Football, I'm so excited I can do a backflip. (Not really)

While the days of covering Saluki athletics like a blanket are behind me (for the most part) I will always keep a close eye on the alma mater. And there might not be a better year to do so than 2009.

Over the weekend, I ran into several current and former SIU athletes, prompting this Twitter post announcing my excitement. And while I understand that it is only July, I have good reason to believe things are on the upswing for Southern Illinois University.

FOOTBALL

I wonder what second-year head coach Dale Lennon and the football Salukis have up their sleeves for an encore. In his first year, Lennon was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference's coach of the year as SIU posted a 9-2 regular season record en route to a conference championship and the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Playoffs.

Yes, a college football playoff system. Whodathunkit?

The Salukis return all but one starter from last season's defense. Everyone knows that. But what exactly does it mean for the team's success? How about everything.

The only departed starter is the ever-so-popular James Cloud, but SIU returns fellow linebackers Brandin Jordan, Ryan Patton and Chauncey Mixon. Nose tackles Chris Arthurs and Tony Colletti also return, meaning that six of the starting front seven returns. And that will lead to much havoc for opposing offensive lines.

The emergence of cornerback Korey Lindsey solidifies the secondary gives me hope that teams will struggle to move the ball through the air. After a strong sophomore season, few teams dared to throw to Brandon Williams' side, so they picked on Lindsey. Who, in turn, picked back with a few interceptions.

OFFENSE

The bad news is that junior quarterback Chris Dieker loses one of his top targets in wide out Damian Sherman. But the biggest concern is finding someone to replace Larry Warner's production out of th ebackfield and on special teams.

The good news is that Joe Allaria is progressing as more than a slot receiver and could be in the running in the return game. He will be joined by Marc Cheatham, Jeff Evans, who will hopefully be healthy, and Bryce Morris.

For those of you worried about who will be toting the rock, don't worry. SIU churns out running backs like Michael Jackson churned out No. 1 hits. It seems that every year, Saluki coaches, fans and beat writers have to ask who's going to be the top dawg in the backfield. And every year, several Salukis emerge to be productive backs.

Larry Warner is the latest in the line of great Saluki running backs. He followed the lead of John Randle, who came after Arkee Whitlock, who came after Brandon Jacobs. So, who will it be this year? Richard White and Deji Karim get first dibs on the tailback position, but don't be surprised if Anton Wilkins or Jonate Govan get a chance, as Lennon loves show off the team's depth.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Last we saw placekicker Kyle Dougherty, he missed a few crucial kicks in the team's playoff loss against New Hampshire. Consider that a fluke. Dougherty will come back strong, I'm sure. And expect punter Scott Ravanesi to rebound as well from his issues. Ravanesi had several punts blocked last year, including one in the playoff game. Lennon said SIU will re-work some punt protection schemes to prevent opponents pressuring the punter.

THE SCHEDULE

The Salukis start their season against Marshall, which will be a very winnable game against a Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) opponent. SIU returns home to face the sacrificial lamb game against Division II Southwest Baptist.

Then the fun starts.

The defending champs travel to Macomb, Ill., to face one in-state rival (Western Illinois) before coming home to face another in-state foe Illinois State, which will come into the match-up with a new coach and probably some new schemes.

It is very likely the conference champion will be decided in the UNI Dome when SIU travels to Northern Iowa on Oct. 17. That place has been a house of horrors for the Salukis, but Dale Lennon pounced on the Panthers in his only previous appearance at the Dome of Doom.

The match-up I look forward to most is the payback game against North Dakota State. The Salukis went up to the Fargo Dome and took an early lead before watching it all fall apart. After that loss, Larry Warner delivered the pep talk that would charge SIU into a conference champion.

And 'til this day, Warner still will not share the details of that speech. But if SIU needs it, I'm sure Larry Lightening won't mind repeating himself for his former teammates.

Stay tuned for Part II tomorrow, featuring how and why the SIU men's basketball team will win 20 games next year.


(Image Credit: Sean McGahan Exclusive)

Are You Ready For Saluki Football?

After 73 years, SIU football is (finally) getting a new home. But first, the Salukis must defend their Missouri Valley Football Conference championship in McAndrew Stadium's final year.

I'm sure I'll be divulging plenty of Saluki football memories, many of which came on Saturday afternoons after a long night of drinking studying with cute co-eds classmates.

Here's the video that's got me all fired up to re-live those days.

Via SIUSalukiAthletics @ YouTube

Year In Review: Saluki football strikes again

This trio covered SIU football like a jimmy hat!

[Ed. Note: This is the second in a series of stories that I found intriguing in 2008. This series will cover a storyline from the year that was from the perspective of the Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks and SIU football and men's basketball. This post details how the SIU football team didn't skip a beat despite numerous losses and changes. And why this picture, because these three gentlemen covered SIU football like a blanket. Not pictured Sean or Edyta and the many others who also helped cover Saluki football.]

There were more questions than answers coming into this season for the SIU football team.

How would first-year head coach Dale Lennon adapt from Division II to the Football Championship Subdivision, formerly Div. I-AA? How would the team react to a new coaching staff implementing new schemes, systems and terminology? Would the team be able to be competitive in the newly named Missouri Valley Football Conference with the addition North Dakota State and South Dakota State? Would they be able to replace the offensive production lost with the graduations of quarterback Nick Hill, running back John Randle and offensive lineman Darren Marquez?

The answer to each of those questions was a resounding yes!

And they did it with a first-year head coach and a first-year starting quarterback.

Saluki football didn't skip a beat despite losing a majority of its offensive weaponry and the head coach that brought the team from near extinction to a powerhouse in the FCS. When Jerry Kill left, no one expected the kind of season SIU had.

The Salukis posted a 9-3 record in 2008, culminating with a Missouri Valley Football Conference title and sixth straight playoff berth. SIU went 7-1 in the MVFC, as its only blemish was a 35-27 loss at North Dakota State in which the Bison came back from a 20-point deficit to pick up the win.

And while many teams would have packed it in after a devestating road loss such as that one, the Salukis didn't. Senior running back Larry Warner spoke to the team after the game and said his words to his teammates after the loss helped spring the successful squad that played thereafter.

SIU rattled off seven straight wins en route to the conference crown. There were blowouts, shutouts, "shootouts," nailbiters, walk-off winners and overtime thrillers. If anything, this might have been the most entertaining Saluki team since (dare I say?) Brandon Jacobs donned the maroon and white.

Offensive coordinator Phil Longo brought in a modified spread offense which took advantage of Warner's speed, Chris Dieker's arm strength and various receiving threats on the outside.

Dieker threw 16 touchdowns, ran three in and even caught one. Warner rushed for over 1,200 yards, scored 10 touchdowns via the ground and returned three(!) kickoffs for touchdowns. He was an all-purpose threat and a nice guy, on top of that.

Lennon put defensive coordinator Bubba Schweigart in charge of the 3-4 defense each has run their entire careers. And James Cloud, Ryan Patton, Brandin Jordan and Chauncey Mixon made the lives of opposing quarterbacks and running backs a living nightmare.

Even though SIU found success in its first year under a new regime, there were still isues. Like its pass defense and team struggles during the dreaded third quarter.

In the end, the Salukis fell to New Hampshire, 29-20, in the first-round of the playoffs.

2009 Outlook: It looks as if the arrow is pointing up for SIU as it returns many key members of the team including Dieker, wide receivers Marc Cheatham, Joe Allaria, Bryce Morris, tight end Ryan Kernes and running back Richard White.

The defense returns Mixon, Jordan and Patton from the linebacking crew, not to mention defensive backs Korey Lindsey, Brandon Williams and Mike McElroy.

There is no reason for SIU not to be competitive in the MVFC next year with the returning talent and another year of familiarity under Lennon's system. Replacing Warner, Cloud and stud offensive lineman Aaron Lockwood might prove to be difficult, but the Salukis have gone down that path before.

And have still found a way to succeed.

Saluki Football: A year in review under my watchful eye

Thanks to my position at the Daily Egyptian, I had the pleasure to watch the SIU football team's season unfold from the beginning.

The Salukis evolved from summer camp to conference champs under the direction of a first-year coach and were led by a first-year starting quarterback.

Here are my 10 favorite moments from the football season.

1. When the curtain opened on the 2008-09 season, the efficiency of the offense was questioned after the defense dominated its August scrimmages. Yet, a 37-point effort led by first-year starting quarterback Chris Dieker put SIU on the map. He threw for 216 yards and three touchdowns as the Salukis silenced their critics. [Playmakers pace SIU past Pirates]
2. I'll never forget Joe Allaria's conversion to a wide receiver because it was the first time I broke a story. I'll never forget it because after I witnessed Allaria running routes and catching passes from Dieker, I went into the newsroom and told my editor "Joe Allaria's catching passes, that's a big deal, right?" It immediately went to the blog. Eventually a story developed. Allaria developed into a pretty solid route runner and one of Dieker's go-to-guys in the flats, near the sidelines and over the middle. Allaria's versatility will be key to future Saluki squads. [Allaria a wide receiver?]
   
3. My favorite stories revolved around a football team that shined three years before I was born. Writng about reuniting members of the 25th anniversary of the only national title the football program was so much fun. Head coach Rey Dempsey had so much to offer about football and life beyond the gridiron. I'd go on, but I don't want to leave anyone out. [1983 team honored for the past, witnesses future]
4. While blowout wins provide many highlights, it was what was done under the radar that stood out to me. It was the Saluki super-subs who earned a gold star in the 60-7 rout of the Sycamores. Special teams standout Kyle Walker collected seven tackles, a sack and a return touchdown. Reserve running back Jonate Govan tallied 94 yards on 10 total touches, including a 20-yard rushing touchdown. The Salukis' depth was one of the factors that helped the team reach its ultimate goal of a conference title. [SIU subs help Salukis roll to 53-point victory]
5. My first true football road trip (the game against Northwestern doesn't count) yielded the provided photo from Sean McGahan, who captured my love for cheerleaders with that picture. As for the game, it solved a lot of questions media folks like me had about the team. It was the team's first road win. It was probably the first time SIU played a complete game. It ws the first evidence of the team gelling, as it shutout Youngstown State, 33-0. [SIU pitches shutout for first road victory]
6. It was the great escape. It was an act Houdini would have been proud of. If Eli Manning wasn't busy on Sunday's, he would have been jealous of Chris Dieker. Dieker eluded the grasp of two Missouri State defenders and heaved a pass downfield to an open Marc Cheatham to give the Salukis the win as time expired. [Last-second TD gives SIU 23-17 win at Missouri State]
   
7. After hearing University of Michigan big wigs preach patience as Rich Rodgriuez puts forth his new system as the team struggles, I needed to take note that Lennon was putting together a new offense, a new defense and a whole new kind of lingo. Yet, no one made excuses, SIU just went out and played and Lennon just went out and coached. And really, that's all you can ask. [Coaching factory keeps SIU churning]
8. Senior running back Larry Warner was a human highlight reel all on his own. He's great on the field, off the field and he's one heck of a quote. He racked up a career-best 256 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a 40-21 win against North Dakota, Lennon's former school. [Warner carries SIU to victory]
9. This was the first game in which I left McAndrew Stadium thinking that SIU was a national title contender. The Saluki defense stifiled Herb Donaldson and Western Illinois' outstanding rushing attack. And then when they had to air it out, cornerback Korey Lindsey picked a pair or passes to seal the Saluki win. [Saluki defense denies Western Comeback]
10. Saluki cornerback James Wheeler went from picked on by South Dakota State quarterback Ryan Berry to picking off Berry's last-minute attempt to pull off the upset at McAndrew Stadium. Wheeler was burned time-and-again by Berry and the high-flying air attack of the JackRabbits, but his last minute pick sealed another SIU win. [Timely turnovers give SIU victory]

That's just 10 moments that stood out in my mind. There are more. I'll hopefully get to them before this week is over. If not, I'll have to go deep into the archives and pull out some classics for ya.

Daily Dosage: Mmmm...Applegate

I'm not sure how I remember Christina Applegate, but I do.

She was Kelly from Married With Children, which was a great show. But she was also name dropped in PM Dawn's only hit "Set Adrift On Memory Bliss."

My memory's shot ... and that's not a good thing with Finals Week approaching.

Oh well, I guess I'm gonna have to get by on my looks.

SIU hoops host Saint Louis. The Salukis will look to get back on the 'D' and in the 'W' column tonight against the Billikens. The regional grudge match pits a pair of excellent coaches against one another as Chris Lowery squares off against Rick Majerus.

However, if SIU wants to get back to .500, it's going to have to play the kind of lockdown defense that Saluki fans are used to seeing. Read more about that at noon.

Young Salukis fighting through adversity. I could run this down and break down how the new guys have to adjust to a 40 minute game instead of the 32 minute games from high school. that would be easy. But you know what's easier? Having C-Lo explain it for me.

"They come in so highly acclaimed that they all think they can do what they did as high school seniors. The biggest thing for them to realize is that nobody cares about that," Lowery said. "For them to come in here to blend - and that's what they need to do - blend and help us be good instead of trying to stick out and be individuals."

Damning, but on point. Expect the Salukis to come out hungry and ferocious ... you know ... like dawgs!

Lennon earns Valley's Coach of the Year. Not bad for a team that implemented new systems on offense and defense, had a first-year quarterback to go along with its first year head coach. Yet, I am impressed with Dale Lennon, who deserves most of the kudos for the team's success this year.

Sure, he did it with Jerry Kill's players. But he did it with his system. He let Ryan Patton, James Cloud, Brandin Jordan and Chauncey Mixon shine in the 3-4 defense. He let Larry Warner break all sorts of records in the return game and helped ease Chris Dieker as a first year starter. You couldn't ask for more out of Lennon.

Quality Linkage:

• If you could find out if your kid could be a sports star, would you? [NY Times]
• Rudy Gay's monster dunk or Derrick Rose's killer crossover? [You Tube]
• Sexcapades and Big 10 football: Closure. Finally. [Deadspin]
• Wanna keep LeBron in Cleveland? Here's a start. [Don Chavez]
• The economy, baseball decisions and the Dodgers. [LA Times]
  

A bitter pill to swallow for Salukis

It's not how I envisioned this season would finish. It's not how anyone envisioned the season to finish.

Unfortunately for the SIU football team, its 29-20 loss to the University of New Hampshire in the first round of the FCS Playoffs was a bitter pill to swallow, indeed.

It's not as if the Salukis were short of prime opportunities. They forced four turnovers including three interceptions of Wildcat quarterback R.J. Toman. However, SIU was only able to turn one of those turnovers into a touchdown. You could almost see it coming: the failure to make points out of turnovers was going to bite the Dawgs in the behind.

It did.

So did other missed opportunities, including two missed field goals by sophomore kicker Kyle Dougherty, who hit a career-long 52 yarder last week against Illinois State. Even though they weren't chip-shot kicks (both attempts were beyond 40 yards) it was a surprise to see the sure-footed Saluki kicker misfire twice in a row.

Dougherty's third quarter troubles weren't the only special teams let downs for SIU. The team allowed 199 yards in kickoff returns. Again, it came as a surprise to the keen eye of those who followed the team from day one.

Credit New Hampshire for creating lanes for its returners and containing its blocks down the field.

While the Saluki special teams struggled, the Wildcats excelled.

Kicker Tom Bishop banged through all five of his field goal attempts and when John Clements wasn't wrecking havoc and shredding the SIU special teams unit (3 for 143 yards) he picked up a blocked punt and returned it for a 26-yard touchdown.

Again, credit New Hampshire, which played well enough to win, despite only scoring one offensive touchdown.

As for the Salukis, a great run ended tonight at McAndrew Stadium. The season started with enough questions to drive any coach mad.

That's what made this season special. First-year head coach Dale Lennon turned question marks into certanties, making his hiring look like an absolute steal by athletic director Mario Moccia. Lennon took a team that lost a significant portion of its offense, including its quarterback and top tailback, and returned it to its rightful spot at the top of the Missouri Valley Football Conference standings.

While the goal always is to win a national title, it says a lot about Lennon, his staff and his players to win a conference title in the first year after implementing a new set of schemes and losing one of the school's all-time great coaches to it's upstate rival.

The future looks bright for SIU, especially after another offseason under Coach Lennon's tutilage.

But as of press time, it's Nov. 29, 2008. It's a long time 'til Spring Ball starts.

Until then, so long from McAndrew Stadium. It's been a heck of a ride.

Salukis lose 29-20 to New Hampshire [Daily Egyptian]

SIU trails New Hampshire 16-13 at halftime

The SIU football team trails New Hampshire 16-13 at halftime in the opening round of the FCS Playoffs.

The team's traded field goals early and often as Kyle Dougherty and Tom Bishop were true on their kicks through the games first 18 minutes. As the teams battled with the boot, they also battled turnovers.

There were turnovers on four straight possessions, including a never-before-seen interception by defensive lineman Kendrick Young, who caught a deflected pass (off the referee).

That led to the first touchdown of the game, a sneaker by quarterback Chris Dieker gave the Salukis a 13-6 lead with 4:28 remaining in the first half.

The Wildcats inched closer when Bishop banked another field goal to make it 13-9, and then took the lead on a run by quarterback R.J. Toman to give UNH a 16-13 lead that stood 'til halftime.

If SIU can complete another thrilling comeback, they might want to heed the following:

• Win the turnover battle. SIU has picked two of Toman's passes, but has also been bitten by the turnover bug with two turnovers of its own. If the Salukis can continue to pressure Toman, the team might be able to capitalize on an errant pass.
• Get Larry Lightning to strike. Warner's been productive on the ground, gaining 62 yards on 11 carries (5.6 yards per carry) but hasn't been able to gain many yards on slow developing plays. Quick hitters have been the Salukis' biggest gaining plays.
• Somehow get the Shermanator to strike. Senior wideout Damian Sherman has been impressive this afternoon with 3 catches for 46 yards. It's too bad a statsheet couldn't give you a picture of a pair of Sherman's grabs. He's extended his body to extreme lengths to grab a pair of Dieker's high passes. If SIU can get in the end zone, look for a Dieker-to-Sherman connection on a jump ball.

That's it for now from The Mac in Carbondale. Stay tuned to the sidebar Twitter updates throughout the game. And of course, siuDE.com for a post-game wrap up.

Playoff Pigskin Preview Brief: SIU-New Hampshire

Well folks, we're about 20 minutes from beginning the logical way to determine a national champion in football.

That's right a playoff.

No, President-Elect Barack Obama didn't use his executive power to force the greedy FBS school presidents into a playoff. Instead, I'm talking about the FCS a.k.a. Division I-AA a.k.a. The Giant Slayers who start their 16-team playoffs today.

And of course, I'm LIVE! in Carobondale's McAndrew Stadium to cover the tilt between the SIU Salukis and the New Hampshire Wildcats. Both teams have alumni I hold near and dear to my heart. UNH proudly recognizes former Chicago Bears standout return specialist and cornerback Jerry Azumah, who starred as the Wildcats' feature running back.

Speaking of running backs, I'm sure a certain segment of the New York Giants' locker room has an eye on this game as running back Brandon Jacobs is a former Saluki star. And since he's injured, maybe he'll be able to park himself in front of a television (or Saluki All-Access) and check out his alma mater.

As for the game itself, it's a toss-up as both of these teams come highly ranked and winners of their respective conferences. UNH won their division in the Colonial Athletic Conference, while SIU won the inaugural Missouri Valley Football Conference title. It represents the team's first conference title since winning the Gateway in 2005.

The Wildcats possess a strong offensive unit that scored 36 points per game. They will be led by quarterback R.J. Toman who has scored 31 touchdowns (27 passing, 4 rushing). The Salukis' 3-4 defense will face a tough test.

As for SIU's offense, it has scored its fair share of points. The Salukis averaged 37.6 points in their home games.

So is it right to expect a shootout? Of course not. But everytime I call for one, it's a defensive struggle.

Prediction: 24-21 SIU in a nailbiter ... which really shouldn't surprise anyone associated or familiar with Saluki football.

Take care, and enjoy the game.

Google Scouting Presents: University of New Hampshire Football

What is Google Scouting?

A term I just made up.

See, when I found out the SIU football team was hosting the University of New Hampshire in the first round of the FCS Playoffs (a.k.a. The Logical Way To Determine A Champion) the only thing I knew about them is they were the school in which former Chicago Bears cornerback/return specialist Jerry Azumah attended.

Yeah, I knew that off the top of my head. But after that, I knew nothing about the program. So I went to my trusty friend Google.

So for those of you who aren't Bears fans or avid watchers of the Football Championship Subdivision, allow me to fill you in on UNH.

Mascot: Wildcat. Boring. There are a million friggin' Wildcat mascots out there. Way to be original New Hampshire, bravo!

Conference: Colonial Athletic Association. Never heard of them? The CAA is home to schools whose hardwood presence is stronger than it is on the gridiron. Teams include UMass, Villanova, Rhode Island (produced Lamar Odom), George Mason (remember its Final Four run?), Virginia Commonwealth University (a.k.a. Duke slayers).

Record: 9-2 (1st place North Division of CAA)

Who to watch for: Sophomore quarterback R.J. Toman. For the second time in three weeks, SIU will be facing one of the subdivision's best quarterbacks as Toman has thrown 27 TD passes, rushed for 4 more and ranks fourth in FCS passing efficiency.

Eat your heart out, Ryan Berry!

Gimme an 'O': Berry ... er ... Toman is the ignitor of the Wildcat offense (not to be confused with the Wildcat formation) as UNH averages 36 points per game.

Gettin' on the 'D': Apparently, turnovers are key for UNH defense. I love informative headlines, I truly do. Anyway, the Wildcats' defense ranks second in the nation in turnover margin and third in interceptions.

The Verdict: UNH is legit. This is the fifth straight year the program has made the playoffs and they play in a conference that is just as powerful as the MVFC. And of course, they're excited to be there. Saturday's showdown will be just that. It will pit a pair of closely ranked, well coached teams that don't make mistakes while capitalizing on its opponents miscues.

The Salukis have the home-field advantage, which just might be the deciding factor in what will likely be a very competitive game. SIU hasn't lost a home game since ... well ... since losing to Joe Flacco and the University of Delaware in the semifinal of last year's FCS playoff.

Looks like a good script to me. Let's see which team writes the Hollywood ending.

Daily Dosage: Worst Three-Way Ever

Can you believe the nerve of the Chicago Bears?

I get up early, write my stories, edit my stories and bake a cake early Sunday morning just so I can watch one of the NFL's most storied rivalries.

And how am I rewarded? By the Monsters of the Midway laying a monstrous egg in Green Bay. Sickening. Absolutely sickening.

The loss puts the Bears, Packers and Minnesota Vikings in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC North. Like I said: Worst 3-way ever.

Shame on you, Bears.

Hopefully Jamie-Lynn Sigler will brighten your day.


Packers bounce Bears into first-place tie. I guess by this headline you can tell The Neckbeard didn't save the day. But the Chicago's ineptitude didn't stop there.

Devin Hester hasn't shown up all season as he ranks 30th among returners. It looks like he's taken a money, gone to an island and has sent a look-a-like to take care of his on-field business. The defense didn't show up to stop the run or the pass.

Yet I bet all you'll hear about is Rex Grossman's sh*tty day Before you ask, The Neckbeard

Yuck.

Grant's big day leads Packers over Bears [Packers 37 Bears 3]

The defense does it again. The SIU football team scored 35 first-half points as it hosted another must-win game at McAndrew Stadium. However, unlike Western Illinois, the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits had the kind of offense that stretched the Salukis to the limit.

A 14-point third quarter tied the game at 35 before a fourth quarter 28-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Kyle Dougherty became the game-clinching score for SIU.

But it wasn't that easy. The Saluki 'D' stepped it up in the final period and did not allow the Jackrabbits to score. And when the Evil Bunnies looked poised to take the game into overtime or even score the leading touchdown, cornerback James Wheeler stepped in front of a Ryan Berry pass headed towards the sideline to seal the win.

Defense bails out sluggish second half by SIU [Daily Egyptian]
Timely turnovers give SIU victory [Daily Egyptian]

Jacobs > Scott. In the battle for Saluki pride, New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs reigned supreme over Baltimore Ravens linebacker Bart Scott. No. 27 rushed past, through and around B-more defenders for 73 yards and two touchdowns as the Giants bested the Ravens, 30-10.

Scott made four tackles in the game as Baltimore dropped its record to 6-4.

Giants rush for 207 yards against Ravens in win [Giants 30 Ravens 10]

Quality Linkage:

• Lil' Romeo played with his pants around his ankle...that's what she said. [LA Times]
• Classy coeds at Maryland. [College Game Balls]
• Justin Timberlake wants to be like Mike. [Fanhouse]
• TRL signs off. Where's Carson, Christina and Fred Durst? [Gawker]
• The Arrested Development movie? Please let it be true! [FilmDrunk]
  

Lennon for Coach of the Year?

You hate to give these awards in the midst of the season, but I figure I'd pimp SIU football head coach Dale Lennon for the award.

And you know who chooses the winner? The fans.

That's right, it's up to Saluki Nation to do it in true Chicago fashion and vote early and often for Coach Lennon.

I'm not sure if two different coaches have won the award back-to-back for the same university, but it would be cool if Lennon could follow Jerry Kill. On paper, it would mean three things.

• It would mean Kill's class is talented beyond the players that left last year after getting to the brink of a FCS title game appearance.
• It would also justify bringing in Lennon, a D-II coach with no familiarity of SIU or its players other than what he had seen on tape.
  
• Finally it would be a testament to the kind of job that he and his assistants have done implementing the "spread-ish" offense and 3-4 defense to a team not necessarily built for either.

And how do you not vote for a guy with an awesome mustache? As a guy who proudly reps a beard once the winter months roll around, I'm proud.

Vote Lennon! [Coach of the Year.com]

Photo Credit: Grand Forks Herald

College Pigskin Post Game

I realize I don't do a lot of stuff on college football on this blog, but I should. I don't always find the NFL interesting unless it's opening week, a rivlary game, a made-for-TV matchup or it's playoff time.

But I'm always down for some college football action ... and USC Song Girls, of course.

Oh yeah, the Trojans won by a pretty good margin. If they want to return to the title hunt, they're gonna need some losses at the top and will definitely need to continue to blow every other team in the Pac 10 (and Notre Dame, of course) out of the water.

That's enough of that, let's take a look at some intriguing games.

Including one in my backyard.

SIU survives the anti-shootout. The SIU football team beat South Dakota State University 38-35, but don't call it a shootout. At least, according to SDSU head coach John Steigelmeier.

The Salukis put up 35 first half points and led by 14 at the half, but JackRabbit QB Ryan Berry led his team on a furious comeback to tie the game at 35 in the third quarter. However, the SIU defense kept Berry and the bunnies off the board in the 4th quarter.

In fact, the only fourth quarter score came off the foot of sophomore Saluki kicker Kyle Dougherty. It ended being up the deciding score.

And that sentence couldn't even have been written until the games final moments. Berry led SDSU on the kind of drive that Hollywood script writers have dreams about. However, SIU cornerback James Wheeler, who Berry victimized all day, came up with the game sealing pick.

It was Berry's second of the day, his first was returned for 57 yards by safety Marty Rogers for a touchdown.

If the Salukis can beat rival Illinois State next Saturday, they would secure a share of the Missouri Valley Football Conference title.

Salukis defeat South Dakota State, 38-35 [Daily Egyptian]

Michigan hits rock bottom, loses to Northwestern at home. There's no shame losing to Northwestern, unless you have to deal with their campus cops that don't care about black people, their "homer" sports writers cheering in the press box, or if they've got Darnell Autry and Dwayne Bates lining up on offense and Pat Fitzgerald on the defense.

Well none of those players were a factor as the Wildcats beat the Wolverines, 21-14, at the Big House. That pushes Michigan to 3-8, the most losses in school history and they still have yet to face THE Ohio State.

Rich Rodriguez is a bad man, so failure couldn't come to a better person.

Northwestern 21 Michigan 14

Tide continues to roll. I'm pretty sure I'm the only person not affiliated with LSU that hates the idea that Nick Saban could be on his way to a national title in Alabama. Maybe it's wrong that I cheer for that gigantic elephant mascot to fall flat on his face. But maybe I'm right.

Maybe I should cheer against a coach that left Michigan State after building it up. Then left LSU for the Miami Dolphins after rebuilding them. Then left Miami after failing miserably for Alabama.

Papa was a rolling stone ... and not the Mick Jagger kind either.

That's why I want them to fail. Here's hoping Urban Meyer can smoke 'em in the SEC title game. I like them, they're fun to watch!

Alabama 32 Mississippi State 7

Speaking of LSU ... The Tigers pulled off quite the comeback win against Troy, scoring 30 points in the fourth quarter to complete the 40-31 come-from-behind win.

It's too bad they didn't have it in them last week against Saban. That would have been even sweeter.

Kudos from Carbondale. You take care now!

Photo Credit: cnnsi.com

Daily Dosage: Mourning Wood

Yeah, I'm still on my Kerry Wood post-mortem trip. Can you blame me?

The guy's arm was killed by Ed Lynch and Jim Riggleman. Brought back to life under Don Baylor. And then almost massacred at the hands of Dusty Baker.

He deserved better. I guess it will be OK in the end because like ex-Cubs who were scorned in the past (Maddux, Grace) I feel as if Wood will win a World Series ring before the Cubs do.

It makes sense. That's how it always happens.

Oh yeah, and Chickipedia presents Denise Richards.

Happy Friday!

Bulls blow by Mavs. The Chicago Bulls overcame a 19-point first quarter deficit to defeat the Dallas Mavericks, 98-91.

In the "I told you so" moment of the week, Bulls guard Ben Gordon scored 35 points and rookie guard Derrick Rose notche 16 points, 6 assists and 9 rebounds as the Chicago backcourt had an excellent go of things against the Mavs.

Dallas was led by Josh Howard, who notched a double-double by scoring 21 points and pulling down 11 boards.

Chicago 98 Dallas 91

SIU faces SDSU in MVFC alphabet soup showdown. Ryan Berry and South Dakota State University may have flown under most people's radars with a 4-loss record ... but not Dale Lennon's.

Lennon and the No. 9 Salukis have prepared for stud-QBs high-powered passing attack all week. SIU has so much to play for. Its seniors. Its playoff spot. Its playoff rnaking. And most importantly, a possible share of the Missouri Valley Football Conference championship.

I'd be completely shocked if SIU didn't come out with both guns blazing.

Salukis bring 'playoff mentality' to SDSU game [Daily Egyptian]
Seniors take lead in playoff hunt [Daily Egyptian]

Where's yours truly gonna be tonight? You can catch me at the SIU Arena at 7 p.m. where I'll be covering the SIU women's basketball team's regular season opener against Saint Louis University.

You can get a +1 rating if you can tell me what a Billiken is.

Check out the Saluki Orphan's preview on siuDE.com.

And yes, I'll be tweeting.

Quality Linkage:

• Hot chicks and country music. [My Chill Pill]
• The budding rivalry between the Celts and Hawks. [Atlanta Magazine]
• 10 reasons UNC will fall short in March. [Amphibious Sports Duo]
• Jesse McCartney to perform on Thanksgiving. And still, the Lions will be the biggest losers. [NFL.com Blogs]
• The NFL cares about its fans, lowers playoff ticket prices. [NFL Fanhouse]
  

Daily Dosage: Long time no see

It's been a while since I've been able to handle a full day of posting, and for that, I'm sorry.

So hello again, America.

Katherine Heigl welcomes you to the week that will be. And what a welcoming site she is, via Chickipedia.

Today we'll cover some winning college football, via Brian Feldt. Some short-comings in the pro game, and a wild take by Greg Couch.

And how bout some talk about Da Bulls. And with all due respect to my basketball guy, Jeff, I've got to take this one.

But first, we must move forward with Dosage.

(Speaking of which, I think it's time for some DayQuill)

Saluki stout 'D' stuffs Leathernecks. Back-and-forth they went for 58 minutes. The No. 9 SIU football team landed the first blows, forcing No. 17 Western Illinois to a three-and-out and then scoring on two of its first three possessions.

Even though the Salukis looked poise to put the game away early, they were unable to convert long drives into points and the Leathernecks were able to come within three points.

That's when the SIU defense got tough.

Cornerback Korey Lindsey picked off two passes in the span of about 20 seconds as the Salukis (7-2, 5-1 MVFC) escaped with another victory.

Saluki defense denies Western comeback [Daily Egyptian]

Remember the Titans? Well, they're 9-0. The world's least impressive perfect team found another way to extend its winning ways. 14 fourth-quarter points by the Tennessee Titans helped push them past the home-standing Chicago Bears, 21-14.

Rex Grossman isn't your Jack Daniels swigging, neckbeard wearing quarterback. I get it.

But Tommie Harris isn't doing jack-diddly on the defensive line. Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher have forgotten how to cover passes. And Marty Booker is still the Bears' primary receiver.

Whatever, bring on the Pack!

Titans 21 Bears 14

Quality Linkage:

• Gilbert Arenas and a tattoo he can believe in. [Washington Post]
• Fun, punishment and a pitching machine. [Birmingham News]
• Josh Childress is Greece Lightning. [ESPN]
• The new "Tuck rule" as Justin's fine is rescinded. [NJ.com]
• Question of the day: Knicks bench > Knicks starters? [Kallas Remarks]
  

Daily Dosage: Sexy and Rexy Edition

Today, The Big Dead Siebar presents Ms. Beyonce Knowles as today's eye candy.

I hope Jay-Z doesn't get mad.

Or maybe I do. See, I've been waiting for a classic Hova album that wasn't inspired by a feature motion picture for a long time so he needs to step his game up. Gimme something classic Jay, I don't have time to be waiting.

Anyway, I've gotten off topic. On with the Dosage.

Sex Cannon unloads on Lions. You could hear the groans from Carbondale. Kyle Orton, out. Rex Grossman, in. Down 23-10 at halftime. You could chalk up the Lions' first victory and the headlines of failure.

But not so fast my friend.

Grossman scored a pair of touchdowns to help the Chicago Bears keep the Detroit Lions by virtue of a 27-23 victory.

And guess what, Sexy Rexy ain't goin' anywhere for a while.

[Chicago Bears 27 Detroit Lions 23]

Salukis run wild on Fighting Sioux. In Thursday interviews, I asked SIU running back Larry Warner what he would do as an encore to his career-best 168 yard performance against Missouri State. His answer was simple: "keep going." Warner did just that, rushing for 256 yards and two touchdowns in SIU's 40-21 victory against the University of North Dakota.

[Warner carries SIU to victory]

It wasn't just Warner though, the entire SIU offense tallied 428 total yards in the win. It looks like everything is coming together for one of the Missouri Valley Football Conference's top schools.

[Saluki football runs past North Dakota]

SIU set to tip-off a new season. The new-look SIU men's basketball team gets its first game action in front of the home faithful tonight against Missouri Southern.

The Salukis feature star point guard Bryan Mullins, a preseason All-MVC selection, along with several newcomers that are expected to help carry the scoring load for a school whose focus has always been (and will always be) defense.

Tonight's match-up between SIU and Missouri Southern is the first of two exhibition games this season. I'll becovering it for the Daily Egyptian at the SIU Arena. This could be fun.

[Saluki basketball ready to tip-off exhibition season]

Quality Linkage:

• Could Mike Vick be on his way to the Black Hole? [Contra Costa Times]
• Nick Saban doesn't want you to bring up his ex-girlfriend (a.k.a LSU) [WWL-AM 870]
• The big lede: "Sex is painful, uninteresting or unsatisfying for four of every 10 U.S. women ...". [Bloomberg.com]
• This kid got sent home for dressing up as Jesus for Halloween. [todaysthv.com]
• Can the Titans be perfect? [Vegas Watch]

SIU-UND video brief

I know I've been promising some more of these, but technical difficulties have held us back in recent days.

I hope to be posting one of these throughout the athletic year.

Enjoy, folks!

SIU football beats North Dakota 40-21

Media Credit: siuDE.com

Behind the strength of Larry Warner's career-best 256 rushing yards, the SIU football team was able to withhold a late rally by the University of North Dakota to win 40-21.

One week after running for a career-best 168 yards in the Salukis' 23-17 win at Missouri State, Warner eclipsed those marks with a 256-yard, two touchdown performance.

Warner, Richard White and the rest of the Saluki rushers combined to run the ball 42 times for 323 yards.

The victory moves SIU's record to 6-2 overall as Dale Lennon beats his alma mater and former employer for the first time.

And for those of you wondering, yes, he did get his "bachelor pad" cleaned up.

I, for one, am proud of coach and will follow in his footsteps as I attempt to clean up my bachelor pad.

SIU football defeats North Dakota [Daily Egyptian]

Follow the "Lennon Bowl" on Twitter!

CARBON "DALE" - I'll be tweeting live from the McAndrew Stadium press box in the first (and probably only) meeting between the SIU and North Dakota football teams which I have now dubbed "Lennon Bowl."

Lennon is facing his former club and alma mater today as he tries to take No. 11 SIU to 6-2 this season.

Expect a game of me-and-my-shadow between the two clubs, who run similar schemes. I'm curious to see how Lennon's offense works with Lennon's players, so I'll be keeping a close eye on the Fighting Sioux.

Ladies and gentlemen: do not expect a blowout! Both teams have something to play for.

UND is looking to show the rest of the college football world that it belongs among FCS competition and will be fighting for bragging rights.

With a win SIU will likely continue its climb up the FCS ranking polls as it tries to solidify a playoff spot.

It should be a good one at the Mac, where it will reach a high of 79.

Take care, folks!

Don't forget to check out the sidebar for details on today's game.

Daily Dosage: It's Phinally Over!

"He said yes!"

Isn't that adorable? The Philadelphia Phillies won the city's first major sports championship since 1983. And how did Brad Lidge celebrate? By proposing to catcher Carlos Ruiz! That's cute. Now Mitch Williams can move on with his life - after being the best man in the wedding of course. More to come on this story later. Now, time for the Daily Dosage!

We must protect this house. The SIU football team gets to play three straight in the friendly confines of McAndrew Stadium and it begins with a tilt against the University of North Dakota on Saturday.

Head coach Dale Lennon should know the Fighting Sioux very well. The former UND feature running back, assistant coach and head coach is in his first year as the Saluki head boss and has brought his philosphies from the great north here to SIU.

It should be an intense battle. Don't expect a blow out. Expect a close game as the Fighting Sioux should come out with a chip on their shoulder (cliche, I know, bite me!) as they'll be looking to impress the man that recruited them.

Not only will Lennon be treated by a visit from his former team, his family is coming too. In a nice little sidebar, the Lennon family will be taking the plane ride with the UND team. That's really nice of them.

I hope Coach Lennon, who told me yesterday that he has a little bit of house cleaning to do because he's "living like a bachelor" has the house nice and clean for their arrival. I know how Mom's can get if the house is even a little messy.

Salukis prepared to defend home turf [Daily Egyptian]

Chillin' poolside. Before Saturday's game even comes close to kicking off, I'll be poolside as the SIU swimming and diving team hosts the University of New Orleans at the SIU Rec Center pool. It will be the Salukis' first home meet of the season.

It's Halloween, so I think I'll dress up as a sports writer. Maybe I'll even dress up as a good one!

Salukis back in the pool [Daily Egyptian]

Quality Linkage:

• First-grader hits puberty at sight of Erin Andrews. Yeah, she's good. Nice screen grab! [The Sports Hernia]
• MRI for Psycho T? Uh-oh, Spaghetti-oh! [Ballin is a Habit]
• Brad Lidge beats the Ghost of Albert Pujols. Ball that Pujols hit in '05 still orbiting Earth. [Bugs & Cranks]
• 24 passes caught. 421 reception yards. Six touchdowns. 1 'L.' Seriously, where's the D? That's what SHE said! [The Big Picture]
• It's OK to mix sports & politics? Whatever you say. [Deadspin]

Happy Halloween, everybody!

What's up with the Blue & Maize?

It's OK to smile, Rich. You're getting paid well for this.

Somewhere, the powers that be at the University of Michigan must be looking for loopholes because the Rich Rodriguez Experiment isn't just not working ... it's failing.

Miserably.

One day after finally signing his six-year, $2.5 million a year contract with UM, the Wolverines dropped a 35-21 decision to Michigan State at the Big House for the first time since 1990.

If UM is losing to the likes of Toledo and Michigan State, imagine the whooping they'll receive when they roll into Columbus, Ohio to face The Sweater-vest and the rest of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The loss moved Michigan to 2-6 overall and 1-3 in Big Ten play. The Wolverines have lost four games in a row and are winless in the month of October for the first time since ... who knows, that's a stat I'm too lazy to look up.

The point is this whole Rich Rod thing isn't working out and it doesn't look like it's going to any time soon. Michigan's AD is preaching patience. Why? He's part of the group that helped push Lloyd Carr out the door. Patience, really? I don't wanna hear it.

But do you know what I don't want to hear: that it's going to take time because RR doesn't have the kind of players to fit his system.

Really? Tell that to Southern Illinois head football coach Dale Lennon.

Lennon came to Carbondale with the task of replacing Jerry Kill, the man who single-handedly saved Saluki football from not only the depths of college football hell, but from extinction as well.

Kill's team's can be described in one compound word: smashmouth.

SIU became Tailback U as it ran the pill down its opponents throats on a yearly basis, and its best case study has been the emergence of New York Giants main-man Brandon Jacobs.

But I digress, so I can make my point.

The point is that Lennon has turned SIU's smashmouth offense on its ear by implementing a variation of the spread offense. Each week, the Salukis unveil new wrinkles as first-year starting sophomore quarterback Chris Dieker continues to learn the system.

Dieker won't be confused for West Virginia's Pat White or Florida's Tim Tebow, but he has proven to be mobile enough to elude the pass rush and whatever he lacks in agility, he makes up in arm strength.

Not only has he continued to keep the SIU offense potent as ever, Lennon & Co. have revamped the Salukis' entire defensive system by placing Kill's players in Lennon's linebacker friendly 3-4 defense.

Now, guys like Ryan Patton, James Cloud, Brandin Jordan and Chauncey Mixon are reaping the benefits as the SIU linebacking corps are four of the top five tacklers on the team.

And before you say "oh, this argument isn't valid because SIU doesn't play anybody," allow me to kick it to you with some real talk.

The Missouri Valley Football Conference isn't a joke. In fact, it's equivalent to the FBS' Southeastern Conference.

The Valley has four schools ranked in the Coaches Top-25 poll (Northern Iowa, SIU, Western Illinois and North Dakota State) with South Dakota State receiving votes in the Coaches and Press polls. The newly-rebranded MVFC has also sent multiple teams to the playoffs (that's right, PLAYOFFS) since I've been a student at SIUC.

Did I mention that Brandon Jacobs went was a Saluki? So was Bart Scott. Rodney Harrison went to WIU. Kurt Warner went to UNI.

The point is that talent is everywhere and all a coach has to do is utilize it.

It's apparent to me that Rich Rodriguez isn't making the most of the talent at Michigan.

On the other side of the coin sits Dale Lennon, who sits atop the MVFC with a 5-2 record overall, a 4-1 record in conference play and all while making $2,300,000 less than Rich Rod.