CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois defensive coaching staff dug into analytics during the off-season and found a significant correlation between points allowed and missed tackles.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois intercepted SEMO quarterback Braylan Ragland four times during the second half of Saturday’s comeback win, and much of the credit goes to SIU’s defensive line for the pressure it applied.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — SEMO has a new offensive coordinator this season in Brendan Boylan, but don’t expect the nature of their offense to change much when the War For The Wheel rivalry resumes on Saturday night.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois forced three turnovers at West Florida, and Saluki linebacker Ben Fiegel had a hand in all three.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — West Florida may be an unfamiliar opponent for Saluki fans, but the newest member of the FCS has earned the respect and full attention of SIU defensive coordinator Lee Pronschinske.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois defensive coordinator Lee Pronschinske explains the individual and collective improvement the defense made during the spring season, as well as off-season plans to prepare for the 2026 season.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois finished a respectable fourth in scoring defense in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, but defensive coordinator Lee Pronschinske said run defense and third-down efficiency are two areas that stand out for improvement.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — In speaking to the defense this week, Lee Pronschinske was philosophical about the five-overtime loss to South Dakota, telling his players a story about a sculptor who was crafting an eagle.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — After giving up a season-high 48 points at Youngstown State, the Southern Illinois defense dropped from 33rd in the nation in points allowed per game (23.6) to 57th (26.0)

CARBONDALE, Ill. — SIU defensive coordinator Lee Pronschinske believes the Saluki defense has not yet played its best 60 minutes of football. It would be perfect timing if that top performance came this week against a high-powered Youngstown State offense.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — As the calendar turns to the month of November, SIU defensive coordinator Lee Pronschinske said the defense is striving to play its best football down the stretch.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Saluki defense recorded a season-high in missed tackles last week versus North Dakota, and defensive coordinator Lee Pronschinske said the unit is anxious to get that bad taste out of its mouth.