CARBONDALE, Ill. — For the Salukis to have a shot at upsetting No. 4-ranked South Dakota State on Saturday, they must find a way to slow down the nation’s most prolific rushing attack.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — A November night game at Memorial Stadium in Terre Haute? When was the last time that happened?!

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois will be one of the last conference teams to have its bye week, but the Saluki defense doesn’t feel worn down and isn’t concerned about playing nine-consecutive weeks without a break.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois defense faces a unique challenge on Saturday, as Illinois State is likely to utilize three different quarterbacks in the game.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois defense is on a roll, leading the Missouri Valley Football Conference in takeaways with 13, including nine interceptions in the last four games.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — When you’ve already been named the best player in the country, what do you do for an encore? After winning the Payton Award last year, that’s the question Youngstown State quarterback Beau Brungard is trying to answer in 2026.

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.