DE Assistant Sports Editor

Only five games into the Salukis’ 1995 campaign, it is becoming apparent as the SIUC running game goes, so, too go the Dawgs.

With the exception of the Nicholls State contest, in which the Dawgs (2-3, 0-1 in the Gateway Conference) won 48-20 despite being outgained on the ground 174-130, SIUC has won when they have outrushed its opponents and lost when they have not:Week one, SIUC at Southeast Missouri State (Aug. 31):The Dawgs rushed for 235 yards while SEMO ran for only 134 and defeated the Indians, 30-27

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Week two, Murray State at SIUC (Sept. 9):The Salukis were anemic on the ground, gaining only 23 yards rushing, while allowing the Racers 185 rushing yards. The Salukis were crushed, 35-3.

In the Murray State game, it was dealing with the slant and angle front, Saluki football coach Shawn Watson said. They (Murray St.) had a lot of pressure, and picking up all the mess that is brought with that, you’ve got to be lucky when that stuff happens to you.

Week three, SIUC at Arkansas State (Sept. 16):Despite bouncing back from its 23 yard performance, SIUC put up 106 yards on the ground. It was not enough, as Arkansas State gained 128 rushing yards in a 14-9 defeat of the Salukis.

Looking at the Arkansas State game, we got behind and we threw the ball, Watson said. We didn’t choose to run it a lot in that game.

Week four, Nicholls State at SIUC (Sept. 23):After two straight losses, the Salukis mounted an aerial attack which consisted of 264 passing yards. This is the only contest this season when the Dawgs were outrushed and still won, defeating the Colonels 48-20.

In the Nicholls State game, we tried to get some more of a balanced attack, Watson said. Really, we probably got out of the running game what we put into it that day, because of the success of throwing the football.

Week five, SIUC at Indiana State (Saturday):The Salukis continued to yo-yo, getting routed 52-3 in a game which Watson admitted nothing went right including the running game. The Dawgs rambled for only 90 yards, as the Sycamores reeled off 274 yards on the ground.

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Speaking of this past game against Indiana State, we’re maybe a block away at the point of attack, Watson said. So, it’s a lot of different variables that come into play.

Watson also said despite the up-and-down play of the team, it all boils down to mastering the basics.

It’s continuing to work on those fundamentals and being able to just flat do it when it’s time to do it, he said.

Watson said Monday there is a possibility that senior running back William Tolen may return to the Saluki lineup. Tolen has been sidelined with a separated shoulder since the Dawgs’ contest against Murray State, Sept. 9.

I’d like to have Willie out there, Watson said. We may may get him this week. It’s an outside possibility that we’ll get him this week.

He practiced with us this week, got timed up and conditioned him a lot last week. I think this week we’ll try to see if he can handle some hits.

Watson said he misses Tolen because of his ability on the field, but mostly for his leadership something the team sorely needs.

We miss him because we miss his leadership, he said. He brings a lot of good leadership to the huddle, so we miss him in that regard.

As a player, yeah, he’s always been steady-Eddie,’ always produced so, yes, we miss him in that regard, too.