Almost everyone expected us to be 2-1 through 3 games so in a sense the season starts on Saturday against SIU. The line on this game should be close. If the 'Birds win then we have a viable path to the playoffs. If we lose, then we'll need to gain the game back by upsetting someone on the road. N. Iowa looks a little more vulnerable this year, and SIU may be the tougher opponent, but I'd still rather take on the Salukis at home than the Panthers in the UNI-Dome. In other words, there is no use putting off until two weekends from now what you can accomplish 10/1.
SIU is led by QB Nic Baker and he is the complete package throwing and running. They can also use fullback Javon Williams as a Wildcat QB, so they give you a lot to prepare for. SIU had the clear advantage at QB last season but we've closed the gap with Annexstad. Even so, SIU has the edge on offense but the 'Birds should have the better defense. SIU looks helpless on the D side in their first two games where they gave up 98 pts and went 0 -2. Since then they have only given up 41 points and they evened their record at 2-2 which includes the win at Northwestern.
We should have a big crowd for Family Weekend. We'll need it. I really have no idea how this is going to go and that makes it exciting.
SIU is led by QB Nic Baker and he is the complete package throwing and running. They can also use fullback Javon Williams as a Wildcat QB, so they give you a lot to prepare for. SIU had the clear advantage at QB last season but we've closed the gap with Annexstad. Even so, SIU has the edge on offense but the 'Birds should have the better defense. SIU looks helpless on the D side in their first two games where they gave up 98 pts and went 0 -2. Since then they have only given up 41 points and they evened their record at 2-2 which includes the win at Northwestern.
We should have a big crowd for Family Weekend. We'll need it. I really have no idea how this is going to go and that makes it exciting.