By Ryan Keith 17

A struggling offense and a slow start to each of the Saluki football team’s three games have given coach Jan Quarless reason to consider a change at the starting quarterback spot.

After a 19-14 loss to Indiana State University Saturday, the Salukis rank sixth out of seven teams in the Gateway Football Conference in total offense. At 1-2, SIUC has averaged just 224 yards per game, including a league-worst 75 yards per game on the ground.

Advertisement

Kent Skornia threw three interceptions in Saturday’s loss, while backup Marcus Capone led the Salukis on a fourth-quarter rally.

Quarless said a quarterback change may be the answer to the team’s problems.

We’ll have to see who shows up today (Tuesday), Wednesday and Thursday, Quarless said at his press conference. I think you have to respond to Marcus (Capone) in terms of how he finished up that ballgame.

Skornia’s play has been a mirror for the Salukis’ offensive fortunes this season. Both quarterbacks struggled for the first seven quarters of the season, including a 33-0 loss to Nicholls State University Aug. 30 and a 20-3 deficit against Murray State University after three quarters Sept. 6.

But Skornia caught fire in the fourth quarter against the Murray State Racers while leading SIUC to one of the biggest comebacks in school history. The Salukis scored three fourth-quarter touchdowns in upsetting the No. 17 team in Division I-AA, and Skornia was an integral part of the success.

Skornia completed 19 of 30 passes for 323 yards. He hooked up with sophomore wide receiver Cornell Craig for several big plays, including a 33-yard scoring pass for the winning touchdown.

But the Saluki offense and Skornia returned to their unsuccessful ways against the Sycamores Saturday. Skornia completed five of 13 pass attempts for 22 yards in the first half, and one of his three interceptions led to a Sycamore touchdown. The transfer from the University of Missouri was taken out of the game at halftime in favor of Capone.

Advertisement*

Quarless said Skornia has put too much pressure on himself to perform well.

I think I’m as disappointed in Skornia’s play as Skornia is, Quarless said. I still think he’s trying to make too much happen rather than being a quarterback that takes what they give you.

While Skornia failed to get untracked Saturday, Capone took advantage of his playing time and made an impression on Quarless and his coaching staff.

Capone completed six of 10 pass attempts for 46 yards in the second half, including a 6-yard touchdown strike to tight end Mike Green with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter to bring SIUC within seven points. Capone also added 36 yards rushing on seven carries.

While Capone had a solid performance, he could not lead the Salukis to victory Saturday. SIUC marched down the field late in the fourth quarter, but Capone’s pass to Kris Fisher was just short of the first down at the Indiana State 43-yard line.

But Capone’s emergence into the starting lineup Saturday is not a guarantee, Quarless said. Capone received a slight neck injury against the Sycamores and did not practice Monday. Skornia is suffering from a recurring ankle injury but took snaps Monday.

Quarless said the decision will be made after he evaluates both players in practice this week, with the possibility of Capone starting if both players are healthy.

Can I say definitely [that Capone will start] right now? I can’t do that, Quarless said. The probability is there. My initial reaction would be that’s the way we would want to start this ballgame.