Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Football announces 2009 Schedule
03/13/2009 | 12:00:00 | Football
March 13, 2009
By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University head coach Dale Lennon announced the 2009 football schedule Friday. The 11-game schedule features five home games in what will be the final season at McAndrew Stadium.
"The 2009 Saluki football season is just around the corner and this year's schedule will offer some very unique challenges," said Lennon. "Our non-conference schedule begins with the storied Marshall University program and continues through to a rivalry renewed game against Southeast Missouri."
SIU kicks off the season at Conference USA and Football Bowl Subdivision member Marshall University on Sept. 5. The Thundering Herd open against a Missouri Valley Football Conference opponent for the second-straight year after beating Illinois State, 35-10, in 2008. MU finished 4-8 overall and last in the East Division of the C-USA a year ago.
Following their trip to Marshall, the Salukis return home for back-to-back games against Southwest Baptist (Sept. 19) and North Dakota State (Sept. 26). SIU meets Southwest Baptist for the first time, before starting its eight-game conference schedule against the Bison. NDSU was SIU's only loss in the MVFC last season.
SIU's other home opponents include Illinois State (Oct. 10, Homecoming), Youngstown State (Oct. 24, Family Weekend) and Missouri State (Nov. 14). The Salukis host the Bears in the final game at McAndrew Stadium.
The Redbirds (3-8), Penguins (4-8) and Bears (4-7) finished with losing records last season. SIU clinched a share of the 2008 conference title with a thrilling 17-10 overtime victory over ISU in Normal.
The rest of SIU's schedule includes visits to Western Illinois (Oct. 3), Northern Iowa (Oct. 17), Indiana State (Oct. 31), South Dakota State (Nov. 7) and SE Missouri State (Nov. 21) this year.
The Salukis will square off against WIU in a night game during the Leathernecks' family weekend. Two weeks later, SIU heads to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to battle UNI on its Homecoming. The Dawgs round out their conference road slate with games against the Sycamores and Jackrabbits.
"The MVFC will continue to be one of the best in the Football Championship Subdivision," said Lennon. "Every week will be a battle. Our home games will be highlighted by the fact that this is the last season at McAndrew Stadium, so protecting the home turf will have added significance. Our road games have us playing teams that are traditionally top contenders and very tough at home."
After playing the Sycamores and Jackrabbits, SIU crosses the Mississippi River to face Southeast Missouri State in its regular-season finale. The Salukis and Redhawks meet for the 75th time in 2009. SIU and SEMO went four years without playing each other since last meeting in 2005.
