Some Saturdays are more than beer and barbecues.

For at least 11 Saturdays this fall, those activities can be capped with a football team hungry to improve on last season’s first-round playoff exit.

The Salukis exceeded some expectations eight months ago, finishing 9-3 under first-year head coach Dale Lennon. But their 29-20 loss to New Hampshire in the playoffs (the team’s lone home blemish of the season) showed the squad there is room for improvement.

With the Missouri Valley Football Conference ready to introduce its teams at Media Day Monday in St. Louis, fans can get ready for the season now with this guide to all the games.

For at least five of those games, the fun can be found a short stumble away from the tailgating field. For at least six others, fans may need to fill up the gas tank and check out enemy territory.

But for those who follow this advice, the added mileage will be worth the lasting memories.

Sept. 5 at Marshall

All-time record: 2-0 SIU

Last game: 15-14 win in 1978

Opponent last season: 4-8 in Football Bowl Subdivision

What to expect: SIU has a good chance at winning its third game against an FBS opponent in four years. The Thundering Herd take pride in the history they’ve built up during the 30 years since they’ve played the Salukis. It should be a historic sight for fans.

Advice: GAS UP AND MAKE THE SEVEN-HOUR DRIVE FOR ANOTHER FBS WIN.

Sept. 19 vs. Southwest Baptist

All-time record: 0-0

Last game: Never played

Opp. last season: 5-6 in Division II

What to expect: Maybe a better game than some expect. The Bearcats look like an up-and-coming team that recorded its best record in nearly a decade last season (albeit a losing one). The Salukis struggled last season with Division II North Dakota, and they shouldn’t sleep on this one.

Advice: WELL, AT LEAST IT’S A HOME GAME. STOP BY AND WATCH SOME YOUNG GUYS GET A CHANCE TO PLAY.

Sept. 26 vs. North Dakota State

All-time record: 2-1 SIU

Last game: 35-27 loss last season

Opp. last season: 6-5

What to expect: A vengeful Saluki squad. The team basically gave this game up late last season in a last-minute 35-27 loss. With the tables turned and the Salukis hosting, this should be an early season statement game.

Advice: DON’T MISS THIS CHANCE AT REVENGE. MAKE IT LOUDER THAN IT WAS IN FARGO.

Oct. 3 at Western Illinois

All-time record: 33-17-4 WIU (SIU 7-0 since 2002)

Last game: 24-14 win last season

Opp. last season: 6-5

What to expect: The Salukis celebrating a lack of Herb Donaldson. The running back was the focal point of the Leatherneck offense (and by default the SIU defense) for the past several years. Now that he’s gone, Western will be modifying its game plan and the Salukis must follow suit.

Advice: GO CHECK OUT THE MACOMB TAILGATE.

Oct. 10 vs. Illinois State

All-time record: 36-32-3 SIU (5-3 since 2001)

Last game: 17-10 overtime win last season

Opp. last season: 3-8

What to expect: A different Redbird squad than any of these Salukis have seen. Longtime coach Denver Johnson resigned minutes after a tough overtime loss to SIU last season, so the new-look team is somewhat of an MVFC wildcard. Regardless, this in-state rivalry rarely disappoints.

Advice: WELCOME NEW COACH TO HIS SOON-TO-BE MOST-FEARED DESTINATION.

Oct. 17 at Northern Iowa

All-time record: 15-12 UNI (4-4 split since 2001)

Last game: 27-24 win last season

Opp. last season: 12-3, reached playoff semifinals

What to expect: A dogfight. SIU hasn’t won at the dreaded UNI Dome since 1983, but coach Dale Lennon has. Lennon knows what it takes in that atmosphere and there are many players on the squad still stinging from the 2007 loss, in which wide receiver Alan Turner came six yards short of a game-tying score. This is likely the most anticipated game of the year.

Advice: MAKE THE SEVEN-AND-A HALF-HOUR DRIVE. PACK A MAROON TOWEL.

Oct. 24 vs. Youngstown State

All-time record: 10-9-1 YSU (SIU 5-1 since 2003)

Last game: 33-0 win last season

Opp. last season: 4-8

What to expect: A tough game for a young offensive line. Even the most elite recent Saluki lines have had some trouble with the Penguins’ front four, led by defensive tackle Mychal Savage. If the big blockers contain, SIU should win the game.

Advice: BRING THE KIDS OUT FOR FAMILY WEEKEND, BUT DON’T LET THEM GET TOO CLOSE TO THE PENGUINS.

Oct. 31 at Indiana State

All-time record: 23-22 ISU (SIU 6-0 since 2003)

Last game: 60-7 win last season

Opp. last season: 0-12

What to expect: A strange environment in Terre Haute. The Salukis have performed well in the stadium that seems to be built only halfway, most recently a 72-10 win in 2007. But most of the players on this team haven’t ever won a game in their college career, so they could come out ready to catch SIU off-guard.

Advice: GO KISS THE LARRY BIRD STATUE AFTER ANOTHER WIN.

Nov. 7 at South Dakota State

All-time record: 1-0 SIU

Last game: 38-35 win last season

Opp. last season: 7-5

What to expect: A shootout. Players need to be well rested and leave the jet lag at the airport for SIU’s first ever trip to Brookings, S.D. But it is familiar terrain for Dale Lennon, who needs to get his squad prepared for another likely high-scoring game.

Advice: TWELVE-HOUR DRIVE TOO TOUGH? TURN THE RADIO TO REIS/SAMBURSKY AND THE BROWSER TO siuDE.com.

Nov. 14 vs. Missouri State

All-time record: 16-15 MSU (SIU 6-0 since 2003)

Last game: 23-17 win last season

Opp. last season: 4-7

What to expect: Some hungry Bears. SIU has gotten the best of Missouri State for six years straight, but almost came up short last season. The plethora of seniors will come out strong for Senior Day and may be in the position to lock up the conference with a win. But the Bears won’t go down without a fight.

Advice: PAY MCANDREW LAST RESPECTS (UNTIL HOME PLAYOFF GAME, THAT IS).

Nov. 21 at Southeast Missouri State

All-time record: 36-30-8 SEMO (SIU won of five of last eight)

Last game: 58-23 win in 2005

Opp. last season: 4-8

What to expect: The rejuvenation of a beautiful friendship. Dale Lennon hasn’t seen this squad, but will likely face them plenty in the years to come. This game could mean the difference between a home playoff game, a road matchup or even a disappointing end to the season. As they did in Hampton two years ago, the Salukis should punctuate a strong conference season with an out-of-conference win.

Advice: MAKE THE HOUR DRIVE, TAKE A COLD DIP IN THE MISSISSIPPI AFTER THE WIN.

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