SIU WORKS ON SITUATIONAL FOOTBALL DURING TEAM’S FIRST FALL SCRIMMAGE

by John Lock, Associate Sports Information Director, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale Media Services

CARBONDALE,  IL – The Southern Illinois football team held its first scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday morning in Saluki Stadium.

Freshman Max Edwards of Johnston City (Maroon Middle) crossing the offensive line. (Tom Weber, SIU media services)

The scrimmage was the seventh practice of the season and just the third in full pads. The Salukis spent the first half of practice on individual and team drills before moving on to a 65-play situational scrimmage.

“For our team to take that next step, we need to recognize the situations,” head coach Nick Hill said. “We have good players, but it’s making them realize the down and distance. Where are we at on the field? What’s the game plan for these different situations? If we can take a step forward in that, we’ll be a better team.”

The first situation of the day was with the ball on the 25-yard line. After that, they were all special situations, including the two-minute drill, red zone, and both goal lines.

“We weren’t at the point yet to crank it up and do a game-like scrimmage,” Hill said. “This was good for us. It was a practice-like setting, and we’ll get better and have good film from it.”

Southern’s first-team defense was particularly impressive. Facing SIU’s first-string offense, which led the MVFC in total offense each of the last two years, Southern’s defense allowed just 58 yards in 23 plays (2.5 yards per play).

SIU’s first team defense didn’t allow a touchdown, including three-straight stuffed runs while the offense worked on its goal-line package. Cody Crider made two big plays, a TFL and a sack on third downs. Jefferson Vea picked off a pass for the defense’s only forced turnover.

Offensively, the biggest plays came from the second unit. Tanner Hearn hit Raphael Leonard on a double move for a 97-yard touchdown. Cameron Walter ripped off a 43-yard rush, as well, which set up a touchdown. On the third team, Brandon George hit E’mare Hogan for a pair of long gains, including one sensational leaping catch.

The Salukis head into their second week of practice and will have a more complete scrimmage next Saturday night. The team’s season opener is Sept. 9 in Saluki Stadium vs. Mississippi Valley State.