Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Dieker Out Six Weeks
10/26/2009 | 12:00:00 | Football
Oct. 26, 2009
By Jason Clay
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Junior quarterback Chris Dieker will be out six weeks with a broken left clavicle that he sustained in Southern Illinois' 27-8 victory over Youngstown State.
Dieker, who was in his second season as the Saluki starting quarterback, had thrown for 1,272 yards and 10 touchdowns before going down with the injury in the first quarter against the Penguins. Dieker was named honorable mention All-MVFC in 2008 after leading the Salukis to a share of the conference championship and into the playoffs for the sixth-straight season.
"I have been informed that the injury to Chris Dieker will, in all likelihood, sideline him for the remaining portion of the season," head coach Dale Lennon said. "Injuries are unfortunately a part of the game of football that you deal with on a weekly basis and any time you have an injury to a key starter, the strength of your team will be tested.
"I do feel, however, that the depth of our quarterback position is solid and that Paul McIntosh has the abilities needed to be productive in our offensive schemes. I also know that even though Chris Dieker will not be on the field leading the charge, his impact will still be present as he helps his team prepare each week."
Redshirt freshman Paul McIntosh will start this week at Indiana State. McIntosh replaced Dieker in the game and finished with 133 yards passing on 10-of-14 attempts. He had one touchdown pass to Joe Allaria for 86 yards, which is the second longest completion in SIU history. McIntosh also finished with a game-high 81 yards rushing on 12 carries.
The Salukis scored in five of the first seven drives after McIntosh stepped in for Dieker.
McIntosh transferred to SIU from Army in October 2008. He is from Evansville, Ind. and was named Indiana's 2007 Mr. Football and Gatorade Player of the Year.
Third-ranked Southern Illinois looks for its seventh-straight victory Saturday when the Dawgs take on the Sycamores at 11:05 a.m. CT in Terre Haute, Ind. Mediacom Cable is televising the game live in Carbondale on Ch. 22.
