By: Howard Woodard
Saluki football returns this Saturday, August 31 at 7pm as the Dawgs are scheduled for a non-conference game against BYU of the Big 12. The roster looks notably different from last season’s team that went 8-5 and won a playoff game. There is no more Nic Baker under center, and several productive players on both sides of the ball have either graduated or transferred. Only 4 starters on offense and 6 on defense remain. The anchor of the team was their defense led by first-year coordinator Antonio James which ranked near the top of several FCS categories including 4th in points allowed per game (16.2), 4th in total yards (282.3), and 5th in run defense (94.2 yds). But what ultimately held SIU back was the consistency on offense. Now with numerous new players across the roster, there is promise for more balance. One position group that will look familiar to Saluki fans is the offensive line and along with the continuity of several players, they bring experience as well. Tackle Noah Fenske will dawn the maroon for the first time after being ineligible last season. The Dawgs are looking to remain undefeated in the state of Utah and also be the first FCS team to take down BYU. SIU beat Southern Utah in 2007 and Weber State in 2020, but the Cougars are 20-0 all-time against FCS schools with an average margin of victory of 37. It will surely be a test for the Salukis to begin the year as they’ll likely play in a hostile environment in front of a huge crowd on the road.
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