A lot of negativity has followed the SIUC football program for several years, but when the Salukis take on Southwest Missouri State for Homecoming Saturday there will be nothing but positives.

At 3-3, the Dawgs have already won more games than the team has won in the past two years. McAndrew Stadium has also become an advantage for the Salukis, who have won back-to-back home games for the first time since 1992.

In addition, Saluki head coach Shawn Watson won his first Gateway Conference game last weekend against Illinois State.

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Needless to say the mood around Saluki camp is positive.

The only hurdle the Dawgs have yet to surpass is coming back from a big win. The past two Saluki wins this year have been followed up with to tough losses.

Watson, however, said this week will be a lot different because the Salukis are in the middle of the conference hunt at 1-1 and the squad believes it can win.

It’s different because we’re playing for something, he said. I know it’s early but the kids have confidence that they can win any game.

Watson said the team showed him something this week at practice.

We had the best day of practice (Wednesday) that we have ever had since I’ve been a coach here.

The Salukis take on a Southwest Missouri State team (1-5, 0-3) that is bringing up the rear in the Gateway.

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Watson warns that the Bears are better than their record would indicate.

They are a lot better than their record and I’ve been telling my team that all week long, he said. Southwest is a very good team with a very good defense and an above average offense.

The Gateway statistics reflect Watson’s statement as the Bears have lost their three conference games by a total of 12 points and are ranked 35th nationally in total defense.

The Dawgs, who pounded out 159 yards on the ground against Illinois State while only throwing for 38 yards, will need to balance the offensive attack against SMSU.

We’ll want to rush the football, but the passing game will be much more important this week, because they (Bears) load up on the running game, Watson said.

The Salukis will be even stronger in the backfield this week gettin back senior William Tolen to a position that saw freshman Karlton Carpenter earn his first 100-yard rushing game of his collegiate career.

On defense SIUC will have to contend with running back Mike Cosey, who is third in the league averaging 92 yards a game.

Watson said it will be up to the entire defense, but especially the defensive line, to get penetration to stop Cosey and the rest of the Bears offense.

Their tailback (Cosey) is having a great year and their quarterback Derek Jensen is solid, so we will have to get into the backfield early.

SMSU leads this series 10-7 and has won the last seven contests.

The Homecoming kick-off at McAndrew Stadium begins at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.