Directed by quarterback Joel Sambursky, the Southern Illinois offense has been efficient inside opponents’ 20-yard line.
The Salukis have scored all 11 times they have penetrated the red zone, totaling nine touchdowns and two field goals. Opponents have scored only 15 points on five field goals and have no TDs in their six trips inside the Salukis’ 20.
Sambursky has completed 67.3 percent of his passes, tops in the Gateway Conference. He threw 97 passes without an interception as a freshman in 2002 and had a string of 57 completions snapped in last week’s 59-9 rout of William Penn.
Sambursky’s prime target, Brent Little, leads the Gateway Conference with 17.8 yards per catch. Running back Brandon Jacobs has six touchdowns and Arkee Whitlock has four.
A 23-22 loss at Northern Illinois is the only blemish on the Division I-AA Salukis’ record.