Football Gameplan's Weekly Predictions

[IAA Bowl Team]

http://www.footballgameplan.com/fcs-div ... redictions

They have GaSouthern beating Wofford at home? Helz no!

[skinny_uncle]

I have to believe they are wrong about the SIU @ WIU game. The Leathernecks depend too much on their running game. If it gets stuffed, they have not shown the ability to switch to a passing game. That was their downfall against UNI.

[Purple Pride]

He's got the SDSU @ UCA wrong also.

[skinny_uncle]

He's got the SDSU @ UCA wrong also.

Never underestimate a Jackrabbit.

[skinny_uncle]

Coulson (The Sports Network) has a better take on our game with the Leathernecks.

No. 6 Southern Illinois (7-1, 3-1) at No. 19 Western Illinois (6-3, 3-1)

There have been some great games in the Gateway this fall, and this one has every possibility of being another classic. Southern Illinois has been one of the most balanced clubs in FCS. The Salukis are second nationally in scoring (45 points per game) and are ninth in scoring defense (15.6). Nick Hill is fifth in passing efficiency, with 17 TD passes and just four interceptions. But SIU can beat you with either the run (221 yards per game) or the pass (253). The Southern Illinois defense isn't a star-oriented unit, but is very solid as a group. The Salukis will need to be able to stop Western Illinois' rushing attack to win. Herb Donaldson is fourth nationally in rushing (150 yards per game) and had 249 yards and two TDs in last week's win over Illinois State. The Leathernecks have struggled with their passing attack, however. QB Matt Barr has just 91 yards passing in the past two games, and ranks 94th in passing efficiency. LB Jason Williams (91 tackles) leads a WIU defense that is ninth in passing efficiency and 20th overall (311 yards). But Western Illinois has struggled on defense in its two games against top-10 opponents, giving up 41 points to North Dakota State and 42 to Northern Iowa. The Leathernecks close the season with games against ranked opponents SIU and Youngstown State, and need to win both to have a shot at a playoff berth. But it is a difficult task to win this one against one of the top teams in FCS.

Southern Illinois 41, Western Illinois 31

[Purple Pride]

He's got the SDSU @ UCA wrong also.

Never underestimate a Jackrabbit.

From everything I've read, it's the Bear that's being underestimated.