Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Football tabbed as preseason MVFC favorite
08/02/2010 | 12:00:00 | Football
Aug. 2, 2010
2010 MVFC Preseason Poll and Preseason Team 
2010 Missouri Valley Football Media Day Audio Excerpts
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Defending Missouri Valley Football Conference champion Southern Illinois has been picked at the top of the league again in the 2010 preseason poll conducted by league coaches, media and sports information directors.
SIU, which has won a league-record 14-straight MVFC games, received 313 points, including 30 of the 36 first-place votes in the preseason poll. The Salukis posted an 11-2 mark and a perfect 8-0 league record in 2009.
"The preseason polls are kind of an indication of what you've done in the past so it is definitely a complement to the program," head coach Dale Lennon said. "At the same time, you can't put too much stock into it. It's just kind of the anticipation for the season, it's an exciting thing and is fun for the fans."
The next three spots in the preseason poll were tightly contested, as eight points separated South Dakota State (second), Illinois State (third) and Northern Iowa (fourth).
A league-high seven SIU players - three on offense, three on defense and one on special teams - were named to the 2010 Missouri Valley Football Preseason Team.
Fullback John Goode, offensive lineman David Pickard and wide receiver Joe Allaria were the offensive players selected. On the other side of the ball, defensive backs Korey Lindsey and Mike McElroy along with defensive end Kyle Russo garnered preseason acclaim. Kicker Kyle Dougherty made the preseason team and center Bryan Boemer was named honorable mention.
SIU was picked to win the conference in both 2004 and 2005, and each season the Salukis claimed at least a share of the league title. A preseason favorite has claimed the league crown 13 times (in 24 previous preseason polls).
Southern Illinois has been ranked in 92-straight regular season Top 25 polls and has a chance to break the longest streak in Valley history. UNI was ranked in 96 consecutive Top 25 polls from 1990-97.
The Salukis return nine starters, including starting quarterback Chris Dieker and Buck Buchanan Award candidates Lindsey and McElroy.
Team (First-Place Votes), Points
1. Southern Illinois (30), 313
2. South Dakota State (2), 252
3. Illinois State (3), 249
4. Northern Iowa (1), 244
5. Missouri State, 164
6. North Dakota State, 151
7. Youngstown State, 130
8. Western Illinois, 70
9. Indiana State, 47
