By: Howard Woodard
The Dawgs (1-1) escaped a hostile environment in Clarksville, TN with their first win of the season last Saturday. 31-17 was the final score as SIU claimed the lead late in the second quarter and never looked back. A turning point in this one was when safety Ubayd Steed punched the ball out of a Governors receiver’s hands where fellow safety Isaiah Bigby recovered the loose ball to secure the Saluki turnover. Austin Peay would’ve been deep in their own territory after the explosive play, but the Dawgs instead went 71 yards in the final 1:15 of the first half as a Vinson Davis III 4-yard touchdown capped the drive. SIU went up 14-10 at that point and then added their third score of the night when QB DJ Williams hit Ryan Schwendeman who likely scored the easiest touchdown of his career. The TE was wide open after his defender blitzed along with the majority of the Govs defense and took the ball 35 yards into the end zone. The Saluki defense resembled some of their astounding play from last season, as they only allowed 53 yards on the ground. Linebacker Ben Bogle stuffed the stat sheet, earning 12 tackles and three sacks in the game. 5.5 of his tackles were for loss, which is a school record in a game. SIU controlled the trenches on both sides of the ball, as they also rushed for 213 yards, headlined by Shaun Lester who gained 111 yards on 18 carries. Jaelin Benefield also had 55 yards on nine attempts, including getting into the end zone from nine yards out for the Dawgs first score of the game. There is still something to be desired in terms of a passing offense for SIU, but an identity of establishing the run combined with a strong defense can surely be a path towards success. SIU will welcome the Incarnate Word Cardinals (1-1) into Saluki Stadium for their first home action of the season this Saturday at 6pm.
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