Salukis search for fix, switch quarterbacks

By Brent Meske

The Salukis named Ryan West the starting quarterback for the game against Missouri State Saturday; a must-win if the team wants to keep their playoff hopes alive.

West, a sophomore, will take over for junior Mark Iannotti under center.

Head coach Dale Lennon made the announcement in a press conference on Monday, saying West gives the offense the best chance for success.

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“Right now, his skill set is what we need,” he said. “We want to do some things offensively that suit Ryan really well. Mark Iannotti is going to be available.”

West relieved Iannotti halfway through a 41-26 loss to Indiana State on Oct. 25. West came in just before halftime and finished the game 21-34 with 195 yards, 1 interception and 2 touchdowns.

Lennon said the team is fortunate West has experience and knows how to prepare for games.

West has played in three games this season, throwing 28 completions for 276 yards with 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

He started four games last season, taking over for starter Kory Faulkner, who injured his hand in the Homecoming game against North Dakota State.

West played seven games in 2013, with 63 completions on 127 attempts for 675 yards and 6 touchdowns.

West said he doesn’t know what the rest of the season will hold for him.

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“None of the coaches really gave me an insight as to whether or not this was a one time thing to see how I do, or if it’s a whole 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.”

West said he thinks the team needed a spark against Indiana State and he thought the offense moved the ball well in the second half.

Iannotti was pulled after throwing 10 completions for 96 yards a touchdown and an interception. He said he was never given a reason why.

“I think it was an accumulation of everything,” he said. “I actually found out from West and he told me, ‘Hey I’m in,’ so that’s how I found out.”

Iannotti has started every game so far this season and led the team to a 5-1 start before going 0-3 the next three games.

In the first six games, Iannotti went 122-191 for 1,458 yards with 13 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.

“These past couple weeks, the offense hasn’t been producing like it had in the past, and something has to be the factor,” Iannotti said. “I haven’t been throwing the ball with the confidence I had earlier in the season.”

In the last three games, Iannotti was 40-72 for 391 yards with 4 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.

Going into the game against Missouri State, Iannotti said he thought he gave the team a better option against an opponent that likes to rush the passer.

“I feel I have an advantage of getting out of the pocket if things break down, especially with Missouri State coming up,” Iannotti said. “They like to bring a lot of pressure. I feel like I can get out of the pocket and extend plays, but that has gotten me in a little bit of trouble this season.”

Iannotti is third in net rushing yards for the Salukis this season with 67 yards on 53 attempts.

West said the team should find a way to win the game no matter who is behind center. A fast start to the game will help the team, he said.

“We just need our drive back, our killer instinct,” he said. “We have to come out ready to go, we can’t come out flat in the first half. When we’re playing well we came out with a fast start. If we get that back, it’ll set us in the right direction.”

SIU will come off of its bye week at 2 p.m. on Saturday against Missouri State.

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