A lot of exciting things are happening around SIUC this semester- let’s make a list.

Oh yes, the football team is a group to get excited about. It’s been awhile, but the Dawgs have a team that SIUC can be proud of.

I know, the Salukis have only played one game, so isn’t all the hype premature?

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I don’t think so. Watching the Salukis beat Southeast Missouri State 30-27 last Thursday, I can’t help but enjoy the way this season is coming together.

No, SIUC probably won’t go 11-0 and might not win the Gateway conference, but the Salukis will be competitive in every game.

Even last year, fans could see the rise of intensity and emotion head coach Shawn Watson and his coaching staff have brought to this team, and with a year of familiarity, the Dawgs are heading in the right direction.

Against 20th-ranked SEMO the Dawgs offensive line manhandled the Indians defensive front and the Salukis’ stable of talented running backs sliced through the Indian’s defense.

Reggie Kennedy, the Salukis starting quarterback, did not have a great game, but it was his first collegiate start- let’s give him some time.

Last year the defense gave up 32 points a game and gave up an average of 405 total yards a contest. In this year’s first contest, SEMO scored 27 points, but one touchdown came on a fumble return. Another score came at the end of the game when Southern had the game wrapped up and was in a prevent defense.

Against SEMO the Salukis gave up 115 passing yards down from an average of 158.6 a year ago.

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Sure, the Salukis had some problems against SEMO, including a missed extra point, blocked punt, two turnovers and 14 penalties for 108 yards. These problems will have to be corrected for the Salukis to have a successful season.

I can’t blame fans if they’re a little skeptical about jumping on the Saluki football bandwagon after last season’s 1-10 record, and granted it’s hard to get behind a team that compiled a 7-26 record over the last three campaigns.

However, the pieces are starting to fall into place and the program is gaining momentum, so the time to jump aboard is now.

I don’t know how many games the Dawgs will win this season, but I can guarantee the squad will be fun to watch and win more than one.

The football slogan this year is Building for the future, but today is looking pretty good, too.