Ryan West named starting quarterback for Missouri State game

By Brent Meske

The Salukis will have a different starter under center this week.

SIU football coach Dale Lennon announced Ryan West will be the starting quarterback for Saturday’s game against Missouri State.

This will be the first game West has started this season and he is looking forward to the opportunity, he said.

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“I don’t know if this is a one-time thing or a full season thing,” he said. “I’m going to start this game and hopefully do a good job and we’ll go with what the coaches decide from there.”

West has played in three games this season going 28-44 with 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions and 276 yards passing.

“Right now, his skill set is what we need,” Lennon said. “Iannotti will be available. We’re fortunate that Ryan has some starting experience. This isn’t his first game and he knows how to prepare.”

His most recent performance came in the Salukis’ 41-26 loss to Indiana State on Oct. 25. He replaced starting quarterback Mark Iannotti before halftime.

West completed 10 of his 17 passes with a touchdown, interception and 96 yards in the game.

The Salukis have struggled in the last three games, falling to 5-4. The team must win each of its last three games this season to make the playoffs.

The Salukis will face Missouri State at 2 p.m. on Nov. 8.

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Brent Meske can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @brentmeskeDE.

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