The Skyhawks fell to the #14/17 Southern Illinois Salukis 10-37 in their home opener Saturday, leaving them 0-3 on the season.
Despite another solid game from transfer quarterback Jase Bauer, who led the team in passing and rushing, the Skyhawks offense only managed 10 points on the day.
Running back John Gentry, who had put together decent games in back-to-back matchups against FBS opponents, was held to just 50 yards on 13 attempts, with a long of 25 yards. However, it’s hard to place the blame on Gentry when he was typically met at the line of scrimmage by one or two Saluki defenders every run.
The offensive line really struggled against a stout SIU defensive line, who are tied for 24th in the nation in team scoring defense and 18th in rushing yards per attempt allowed. The struggle of the offensive line is a constant issue for the Skyhawks.
“We’re not controlling the line of scrimmage,” said head coach Jason Simpson. “You can’t really throw the ball down the field because we’re not holding up in pass protection. So, it’s a lot of dinking and dunking and it takes a lot of plays to score in five yards a pop.”
The defense didn’t fare much better for the Skyhawks. Allowing 490 yards of total offense to the Salukis—most of that coming on the ground from QB DJ Williams, who ran for 128 yards and three touchdowns along with 217 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Williams was practically unstoppable against the Skyhawks, popping off run after run until the Skyhawks had to overcompensate for his legs, at which point he let his arm make things easy. Williams hit several SIU pass catchers perfectly in stride on out-routes and posts, leaving the Skyhawks defense vulnerable at every level of the field.
Honestly, it’s hard to blame the Skyhawks defense. Prior to the game, Simpson said Williams is one of the best players the Skyhawks have played.
“He doesn’t mind the contact, he runs like a running back and he can make some throws…I’m very impressed by him,” said Simpson.
It’s been seven years since the Skyhawks had a start as bad as this—which was in 2018 when they finished 2-9—and if they lose their next game it will be the Skyhawks’ first 0-4 start since 2007, which was Jason Simpson’s second year as head coach.
“This team is a lot different from that team [2018]. That schedule wasn’t anything like this schedule and the schedule is my fault. I should have never let that happen,” said Simpson. “I knew this could be part of the growing pains with a new team. You need a game to kind of get your feet on the ground and get your confidence, but there is still no excuse for 273 yards rushing. Just the way we’re playing is unacceptable.”
Despite the record, the team’s hole isn’t too deep to dig out of. They have yet to play a conference game and won’t have one until week five when SEMO comes to town on Sept. 27.
Until then, the Skyhawks look forward to next week when they travel to Springfield, MO, to face the newest member of Conference USA, the 1-2 Missouri State Bears, on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m.
