War for the Wheel: keys to victory

In a highly anticipated showdown between two top 25 teams, No. 21 Southeast Missouri State and No. 7 Southern Illinois will clash in the War of the Wheel on Saturday, Sept. 21. SEMO enters the game with a 2-1 record after a bye week, fresh off a thrilling overtime victory against reigning OVC champions UT Martin. Quarterback Paxton Delaurent spearheaded the offense, setting a new program record with 6 passing touchdowns and throwing for 376 yards.

SIU is riding high after a hard-fought 35-28 victory over Incarnate Word. Wide receiver Keontez Lewis had a standout performance for the Salukis, racking up 148 receiving yards and a touchdown. Lewis now ranks second in the Missouri Valley Conference with 273 total receiving yards this season. Quarterback DJ Williams, who leads SIU in both passing and rushing this season, suffered a hand injury last week. In his absence, junior Hunter Simmons will step in as the starting quarterback. Both Williams and Simmons are dual-threat options, and with Simmons' experience and familiarity with the system, he is expected to serve as an adequate replacement for the Salukis' offense.

Keys to victory:

Apply pressure to Hunter Simmons -

Hunter Simmons has been within the program for a while and is a dual threat option and the scheme will be similar due the playstyle of Simmons. The main thing that will be hard about getting pressure on Simmons is the veteran offensive line group that consists of five sixth year seniors. DJ Williams the Salukis starter is out due to a hand injury and Simmons will get the nod. Simmons has thrown eleven passes this year and will get his first start of the season in this heated rivalry matchup. Williams is the Salukis leading passer and rusher so far in this young 2024 season so that is a huge loss for SIU.

Stop the Salukis' run game -

SEMO's defense has been allowing 206.3 rushing yards per game, with opponents averaging 4.9 yards per carry. They'll need to step up against SIU, which averages 182.7 rushing yards per game. With quarterback DJ Williams sidelined, the Salukis' ground game will rely on junior Shaun Lester Jr. and senior Jaelin Benefield, who have combined for 233 rushing yards this season. Defensive back Khalani Riddick, who leads SEMO with 30 total tackles, will play a crucial role in the run defense. Alongside Riddick is senior linebacker Bryce Norman, who has 29 total tackles this season, and is poised to play a main role in containing SIU's rushing attack. In the last meeting with the Salukis, Norman tallied 12 total tackles, including 4 solo stops, highlighting his impact on defense.

The Redhawks' pass game -

A key to igniting SEMO's offense will be getting senior starting quarterback Paxton DeLaurent in rhythm early. His top target, senior wide receiver Dorian Anderson, has been a standout this season with 313 yards on 19 receptions and 3 touchdowns through three games. SEMO averages 289 passing yards per game, while SIU's defense has been vulnerable, allowing 335.3 passing yards per game. DeLaurent and the passing game will need to take advantage of the air attack.

Run offense without Brandon Epton Jr.-

SEMO's backfield is dealing with injuries, as starting running back Brandon Epton Jr. will be sidelined for this game. True freshman Peyton Brown is expected to take on the lead role, with running back Darell Smith, who has yet to record a carry this season, potentially seeing action against the Salukis. SIU boasts a tough, hard-nosed run defense, so establishing the ground game early will be crucial for SEMO to wear down the Salukis' defense as the game progresses.

SEMO will head to SIU on Sept. 21 for their top 25 rivalry showdown. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM at Saluki Stadium.