Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Offense rebounds in second scrimmage
08/19/2010 | 12:00:00 | Football
Aug. 19, 2010
By Jason Clay
SIUSalukis.com
Offense bounces back with strong outing in second scrimmage - Article by Tom Weber
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois football team held its second scrimmage of fall camp on Thursday inside Saluki Stadium, as the team ran through 64 plays in addition to working on various special teams situations.
After being dominated by the defense in the first scrimmage one week ago, the Saluki offense came back in the second scrimmage and had plenty of success moving the ball and scoring points.
The first and second team offense each had one down-and-distance drive starting at its own 30-yard line and they combined to score 10 points. Then working in red zone situations, SIU scored touchdowns on 2-of-3 drives while the third resulted in a field goal.
The Saluki offense ended the scrimmage by working on their two-minute offense. In all, the offense put up 34 points on the day.
"It looked like a different offense out there today," head coach Dale Lennon said. "They came out with something to prove and we saw progress so that was very encouraging. I like the fact that we did the little things right. We didn't have illegal procedures, the exchanges were all good, we were catching the football. Those little things can make the difference and today they did."
Senior quarterback Chris Dieker looked very confident out on the field, as he completed 10-of-13 passes for 90 yards. Sophomore quarterback Paul McIntosh did a fine job moving the second team offense, and he threw for 37 yards on 5-of-11 passing and completed the only touchdown pass of the day that went to Matt Guinn.
The Saluki running game came alive as well. Junior Shariff Harris had 35 yards on seven carries and senior Richard White ran for 29 yards on eight carries with two touchdowns. Steve Strother had 27 yards on four carries and Anton Wilkins added 20 yards on four carries.
Senior Jeff Evans led the Saluki receivers with four catches for 31 yards. John Lantz's 22-yard reception in the two-minute drill was the longest of the day. Running back Lucien Walker had the highlight of the day with his one-handed grab off a Dieker pass that came two plays after Lantz' reception. Walker's catch went for 13 yards down the sideline.
Dieker completed all three of his passes on that drive for 45 yards before White capped it off with a 7-yard TD run. The drive took just 1:07 to go 70 yards in six plays and it was aided by a defensive pass interference penalty.
Defensively, linebackers Stephen Franklin and Cory Lee along with safety E.J. Clark led the team with four tackles apiece.
Freshman safety Boo Rodgers made the play of the day for the defense. His diving grab off an overthrown ball from McIntosh was the only turnover on the day. Rodgers also had an interception in the first scrimmage.
Kicker Kyle Dougherty made all four of his field goal attempts with a long of 45. He also drilled kicks of 41, 37 and 35 yards.
Southern Illinois has one more week of practice before its final scrimmage, which is being held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26 in Saluki Stadium. Admission to the final scrimmage is free and open to the public.
The Saluki Football fish fry and silent auction will take place before the scrimmage from 5-6:30 p.m. on the concourse of the new stadium.
