#7 Southern Illinois

I caught some grief with picking Southern Illinois at #7. Southern Illinois has been a top notch program in FCS for years. The recruiting, development, and coaching for the Salukis has been among the best in the nation. However, the past two years Southern Illinois has been a very inconsistent team. The Salukis best games came against North Dakota State (3-9, loss) and Indiana State (35-28, win).

SIU's transfer RB, Mika'il McCall

The problem with the 2011 Saluki team was the defense, especially in the second half of the season. In the last six games of 2011, the Saluki defense gave up 191 points. The pass defense was primarily the problem; 21 touchdowns were given up through the air last year. The offense needs to be more efficient and consistent as well. Too many times drives were cut short by poor decisions and turnovers. Changes must be made in 2012 to turn the program around. 

Good news is... Southern Illinois has restocked their talent for 2012. Per usual, Iowa running backs continue to fall out of the Hawkeye program like rain. This year, transfer Mika'il McCall will look to make an immediate impact in the backfield. McCall had only 11 attempts at Iowa, however, in those 11 attempts he averaged nearly 6 yards per carry. McCall is also only a sophomore, giving the Southern Illinois run game promise for the next three years. 

Kory Faulkner is anticipated to take the reigns at quarterback this season. At times, Faulkner showed signs of brilliance, he shredded the Eastern Illinois defense in a 45-28 win going 16-22 for 234 yards a touchdown, and most importantly no interceptions. That type of production form a quarterback will most certainly effect the rest of the players around him. In 2012, Faulkner needs to continue to develop as a leader and limit costly mistakes. 

A big name we all need to be watching for on the Saluki defense is Kenneth Boatright. Boatright came up huge last season with 7 sacks and 13 tackles-for-loss. Boatright's sacks, combined with NT Kayon Swanson's presence create a very stout defensive line. The Saluki's should have a very good running defense in 2012. 

In 2012, Southern Illinois has a chance to start off strong with a weak non-conference schedule highlighted with MAC member, Miami (OH). Miami will be coming off of, presumably, a pretty bad beating against Ohio State the weekend before they meat up with the Salukis. This should be a good chance for Southern Illinois to make a statement to announce they mean business in 2012. I envision Southern Illinois at 3-1 before they enter league play against Indiana State on September 29.

Their conference schedule provides no relief from difficult teams. Southern Illinois will be playing all of the forecasted top teams in 2012. The team they miss out on is newcomer South Dakota. With likely conference wins against Missouri State, Western Illinois and possible wins against South Dakota State and Indiana State, Southern Illinois could go anywhere from 4-4 to 2-6 in conference.