Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Football team makes statement with win at Eastern Illinois
09/07/2014 | 12:00:00 | DawgTracker
CHARLESTON, Ill. - The importance of yesterday's win at No. 14-ranked Eastern Illinois cannot be understated. Beating the Panthers was a critical first step toward making a run at a playoff berth this season. The Salukis finished one win shy of the playoffs in 2013, and the double overtime loss to EIU in Week Two was the difference.
1. The most impressive aspect of the victory was how Southern dominated the second half in all three phases of the game, blanking the Panthers in the final 30 minutes, 24-0. After allowing 339 first-half yards, the defense held EIU to 112 yards in the second half. Meanwhile, the offense came to life behind junior quarterback Mark Iannotti, WR LaSteven McKinney delivered a 62-yard punt return, and kicker Thomas Kinney made just the eighth 50-yard field goal in school history.
2. Have the Salukis found their quarterback in Iannotti? It's still too early to say for sure, but through the first two games, he has efficiently run Bill O'Boyle's offense, completing 72 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and two interceptions. With an abundance of weapons at his disposal, Iannotti can be a successful quarterback if he simply manages the game.
3. Iannotti exudes confidence, which is remarkable considering how little playing experience he accumulated during his first three years of college. He shakes off mistakes and comes back and makes big-time throws. Clearly, there's room for growth in his timing and ball placement, but if he continues to make strides in those areas, he will have a fine season.
4. Give O'Boyle credit for getting the ball into the hands of his gifted playmakers. It's easier said than done. MyCole Pruitt (7 catches), LaSteven McKinney (6 catches) and Tay Willis (5 catches) were all prominently featured in the game plan with plays designed specifically for them. It's exciting any time one of them catches the ball in the open field.
5. The Salukis are averaging more than six yards per carry, and RB Malcolm Agnew seems most effective when he gets 15-20 attempts. His 18 attempts for 147 yards and three TDs against Eastern was right in that sweet spot. Remember, he has an injury history, so you don't want him carrying 30+ times per game.
6. Southern's run defense against the Panthers was excellent. Eastern was persistent in trying to establish the ground game, with 35 attempts, but the average per carry was only 3.6 yards. OLB Tyler Williams was unblockable in backside pursuit, recording 11 stops in the game.
7. The Salukis used more nickel-defense coverage against Eastern than they did in any game last season. In fact there were five defensive backs on the field on most third down plays. Defensive coordinator Bubba Schweigert rarely used the extra DB last year, sticking with the base defense in allowing 440 passing yards to the Jimmy Garapolo-led Panthers. Lennon appears more comfortable using the nickel package.
8. Southern's defense allowed just 101 passing yards in the second half, and Lennon said pressure on the quarterback was a key factor. He created movement on the defensive line by calling more stunts, and that resulted in three sacks and consistent heat on the QB.
9. True freshman safety Ryan Neal was impressive in his first-career start. He had seven tackles and covered a lot of ground both in run support and pass coverage. He split time with Anthony Thompson, but it will be hard to take him out of the game after that performance.
10. You should expect a huge crowd for this Saturday's game against SEMO. The Redhawks, coached by former Saluki assistant Tom Matukewicz, are coming off a 34-28 loss at Kansas. They have a talented senior quarterback in Kyle Snyder.
11. Besides the game, it's Military Appreciation Night, and all military will receive free admission. The Traveling Vietnam Wall will be set up on the adjacent practice field. There's also a post game fireworks show. You don't want to miss it.
12. The Salukis made a statement with the win over Eastern Illinois and should make a nice jump in the polls this week. They will look to go 3-0 for the first time under Lennon and the first time since 2007.
