2015 Football Opponent Preview: Southern Illinois
9/24/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
The Flames begin a four-game road stretch on Saturday when No. 10/10 Liberty squares off against Southern Illinois at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Ill.
Saturday's contest will be the first in the series between the two programs and Liberty's 15th all-time against a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC). Liberty is 3-11 all-time against MVFC foes, including a 38-19 setback at Indiana State on Sept. 27, 2014.
The Salukis are off to an 0-2 start in their eighth season under head coach Dale Lennon. However, they have lost their two games by a combined four points to FBS opponent Indiana (L/ 47-48) and Southeast Missouri (L/ 24-27).
Southern Illinois' high-powered offense is under the leadership of quarterback Mark Iannotti. He is averaging 426.0 total offensive yards per game, which accounts for 75.5 percent of the Salukis' total offense.
The senior ranks No. 1 in the country in total offensive yards per game and points responsible per game (26.0). The quarterback has completed 50-of-69 passing attempts (72.5 percent) for 705 yards and six touchdowns. He is also his team's leading rusher with 147 rushing yards and has recorded both of the team's rushing touchdowns in 2015.
Iannotti has thrown to 12 different receivers, and five different players have caught a touchdown pass in 2015 for Southern Illinois. His top target this year has been Billy Reed, who leads the team with 11 receptions for 173 yards.
Inside linebacker Chase Allen (26 tackles, two pass breakups) and safety Kenny James (24 tackles) lead Southern Illinois' defense that is surrendering 490.0 total offensive yards per game. Five of the seven offensive touchdowns scored against the Salukis in 2015 have been rushing touchdowns.
