Saluki Football still controls its own destiny
- Tom Weber
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
CARBONDALE, Ill. — For Saluki Football, the fate of the 2025 season now hinges on the outcome of two, must-win games.
After a discouraging, 48-38 loss at Youngstown State, in which SIU gave up a 17-point lead, the Salukis (6-4, 3-3) still control their FCS Playoff destiny, but they’ll have to dust themselves off, because the path won't be easy.
The math is simple. SIU needs to win its last two games (South Dakota and at Illinois State). The challenge is formidable. Both teams are nationally ranked playoff contenders. The Coyotes have beaten two-straight Top 25 teams, while the Redbirds have a three-game winning streak.
Since you can’t win two without first winning one, that makes Saturday’s matchup versus South Dakota the biggest game of the season.
Should SIU run the table to get to eight wins in the toughest league in FCS football, that should be sufficient to make the playoffs. To get there, the Salukis will have to play better defense than they did Saturday.
Youngstown State has the No. 1-ranked offense (458.5 yards per game) in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, but giving up 648 yards to the Penguins yesterday was a stunning development.
Stunning, because Southern’s defense played quite well the previous two weeks, albeit versus lesser competition. There was growing confidence within the unit after several key players returned from injury. That confidence absorbed a body blow yesterday.
A win versus South Dakota, with the defense playing well, would be the confidence-booster the Salukis need heading into the final week of the regular season.
StrongDawgs Week 10 Power Rankings
It looks increasingly possible that five teams from the Valley will make the field. North Dakota State is in, while North Dakota and Youngstown State are both likely in, based on their quality wins and remaining schedules.
The other four contending teams are competing for two spots. Fortunately for the committee, those teams all play each other during the last two weeks, so bids should sort themselves out head-to-head.
North Dakota State (10-0, 7-0) LOCK
Best wins: Southern Illinois (45-17), at South Dakota State (38-7), Youngstown State (38-30), at North Dakota (15-10)
Remaining games: Northern Iowa, St. Thomas
Unless something shocking happens, the Bison will win their last two games and enter the FCS Playoffs as the No. 1 seed.
North Dakota (6-4, 4-2) LIKELY
Best wins: Youngstown State (35-17), Southern Illinois (38-19)
Remaining games: at Murray State, South Dakota State
A likely win at Murray State would guarantee the Fighting Hawks finish no worse than 5-3 in the league with two quality wins. That’s a playoff resume. A win versus South Dakota State would enhance their seeding.
Youngstown State (6-4, 3-3) LIKELY
Best wins: at Illinois State (40-35), Southern Illinois (48-38)
Remaining games: Indiana State, at Northern Iowa
QB Beau Brungard is a superstar, and the Penguins should have little trouble winning their last two games to earn a bid.
