This is a word that the SIUC football team sorely lacks.

The word around campus is that the Salukis will continue their lack of success that has been the Dawgs trademark for the past few years.

And at first inspection that seems correct.

Advertisement

The Salukis are coming off a 1-10 season, while also losing their two quarterbacks who got any playing time a year ago.

Since the 1983 Division 1-AA championship, SIUC football has been on a elevator going down.

This year the Salukis are picked last in the Gateway Conference by a wide margin and play three teams that are in the Preseason Top-25 Division 1-AA poll.

Another disappointing year, right?

Well, wait a minute.

This year’s squad has the talent and enthusiasm to surprise the other teams in the Gateway Conference and the Saluki faithful.

The Dawgs return nine players on defense, in addition Division 1-A transfer C.J. McDavid joins the secondary. The team also features one of the best players in the Gateway with National Football League potential in tight end Damon Jones.

Advertisement*

The quarterback position will have very capable people who head coach Shawn Watson feels can run

see RESPECT, page 18