Salukis complete tune-up two weeks before opener

CARBONDALE, Ill. - The 2017 Saluki Football team scrimmaged for the third time this fall on Saturday morning at Saluki Stadium. The non-tackle practice was the two week mark before the season opener vs. Mississippi Valley State on Sept. 9 at Saluki Stadium.

"I thought it was good," head coach Nick Hill said. "This is the conclusion of training camp, even though we've been in school this past week. That's a whole other animal to tackle--new schedules, new routine, classes, new players here for the first time, and practices are at night. It took some adjusting. I knew it wasn't really going to be a scrimmage. It was more like a practice. Nobody got tackled to the ground until the last short-yardage period."

While the Salukis were practicing, the college football season started with four FCS games on the ESPN family of networks on Saturday. Most of the country will open their season next weekend--including Southern's first opponent, Mississippi Valley State, who will play at North Dakota State. But Southern's bye week is on opening weekend. When MVSU comes to Carbondale on Sept. 9, the Salukis will be starting a season with 11-straight games.

"We have another week of practice until we get into total game-prep mode," Hill said. "We will start to get into scout team about mid-week and start game-planning. We haven't seen (MVSU) play this year, but we have the benefit of watching them play North Dakota State on Saturday (Sept. 2). Then when the players come back Sunday, we will be total Mississippi Valley."

With Saturday's practice not full contact, the offense was pass-heavy and found some success through the air. Connor Iwema (4 catches) and Sam Bonansinga (5 catches) led the receivers, and Darrell James caught a long pass down the middle. The defense limited the big plays and won both fourth-and-one battles at the end of the session.

"The first session, the offense probably won," Hill said. "It was a pass emphasis. Offense came out ready to go. They threw the ball around early. But I was happy to see when we cranked it up in the short-yardage that the defense got both stops."

The Salukis host Mississippi Valley State at 6 p.m. on Sept. 9 in Saluki Stadium. Tickets are available on SIUSalukis.com or by calling 877-SALUKIS. Southern will be hosting Scout Night and Hometown Heroes Night, as well.

"It's time to come together as a team," Hill said. "We've spent three weeks battling each other. We're ready to see another color jersey."

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Sam Bonansinga

Connor Iwema

Darrell James

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