The Saluki football team has a two-game winning streak and a new found confidence that SIUC football coach Jan Quarless says they deserve.

I think they are starting to say, We only lost by seven points.’ That isn’t too shabby, Quarless said at a press conference Tuesday. I am seeing the team respond the way I feel (the way) we all should feel.

The Salukis have lost three games by only seven points, and two of those games were one-point losses to Southwest Missouri State University and the University of Northern Iowa.

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But SIUC held the University of South Florida Saturday to 263 yards and 10 points in a 23-10 win Saturday. The Salukis gave up 564 yards in a 31-29 victory over Illinois State University Oct. 11.

SIUC also controlled the ball for 32 minutes and seven seconds, compared to South Florida’s 27:53.

Saturday’s game marked the second time this season the Salukis have controlled the possession time. The Salukis controlled the possession in the Sept. 27 game against the University of Northern Iowa, 37:05 to the Panthers’ 22:55.

The Salukis also had only two penalties for a total of 20 yards. SIUC converted on a season-best seven of 17 third downs against the Bulls.

But Saturday’s victory came at a price. Fullback Bryan Nolbertowicz suffered a thigh contusion, and his status is still unknown for Saturday’s game against Western Kentucky University.

Wide receiver Reggie Fowler is still on limited duty. Center Kevin Skinkis is still not able to play regular downs with a bad shoulder, and right guard Brandon Frick will not be back for Saturday’s game while recovering from knee surgery.

Quarless said he is pleased with the team’s defensive performance, but one thing he is looking for is more improvement in the special teams.

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I don’t feel we are running through blocks, Quarless said. You have to be reckless and cut loose. We are not thrusting ourselves through tackles.

Quarless said that although there is always room for improvement, Saturday’s win was the result of playing sound football.

What I liked about Saturday was I felt we played like a football team, Quarless said. (The game was) back and forth. We were sitting on the sidelines as coaches saying, This is a good football team we’re playing.’ We were playing against a very excited team. They made their homecoming a very special occasion.

The Salukis will play Western Kentucky University at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at McAndrew Stadium.