SIU leads Hampton 27-10 at halftime

Quarterback Chris Dieker has three touchdown passes in the first half to help pace the SIU football team to a 27-10 lead at the half over Hampton.

Dieker's TD tosses were to Damian Sherman (21, 2 yards) and one to Jeff Evans (27 yards).

Senior running back Larry Warner capped the Saluki scoring with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. It was the longest return TD for SIU in eight years.

Stay tuned for more.

I'm ready for some football!

The Harley's are revving up for the fifth annual Hawgs and Dawgs game at SIU and I am moments away from the first of many Saluki football blogs.

As we approach kick-off...and as the players get closer to taking the field, I thought now would be a good time to give you my picks to click.

Offense:

1 Damian Sherman WR - Tonight's opponent, Hampton, allowed 248 yards through the air against Jackson State and escaped with a 17-13 victory. I can see where QB Chris Dieker can connect with the 6-foot-4 wideout on a big play or two.

Defense:

3 Chauncey Mixon OLB - It's hard to single out one linebacker, but I think No. 3 can make some big plays defending the run and the pass. Pressuring the quarterback is one of Mixon's stregnths, so expect to see a lot of him in the Pirate backfield.

27 secs away, let's get this started!