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SIU-INS Grades

Sunday, October 12, 2008 9:12 AM CDT

Offense: A

In a season where the Salukis have struggled to not only score points at times, but score at all, they poured it on at McAndrew Stadium. Chris Dieker found Damian Sherman for a 60-yard touchdown on the first offensive play, and didn't come off the gas until the game was in hand. The Salukis scored enough to not only put the Sycamores away early, but enough to get some of their lesser-known players into the game and rest their starters.

Defense: A

Prior to Saturday, SIU hadn't scored a single defensive touchdown. Lance Caldwell and Kyle Walker both scored defensive touchdowns in the second quarter. The defense took away Indiana State's running game and came up with three sacks. The Salukis forced five fumbles, recovering three of them, one of which directly led to a touchdown. It was a big step forward for a group that, maybe, needed a bit of a confidence-booster after the North Dakota State collapse.

Overall: A

Mission accomplished. SIU wasn't 100 percent throwing (it was 10 of 11) but was more than effective in the passing game. All four tailbacks saw the field and averaged more than three yards a carry, as the Salukis rushed for 237 yards on 38 carries. The defense not only got stops against Indiana State, it got scores. About halfway through the season, SIU looks like a conference contender again.