The 2018 midterm elections are fast approaching, and despite all the politicking and punditry, you likely have a few questions: What are the midterms? Who is running? How can I vote?
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
The midterm elections are coming — here’s a cheat sheet to get you through
September 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
If Kavanaugh’s nomination can be derailed by allegations without evidence then no one is safe
September 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Senate Democrats seeking to derail Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination knew they had a problem. In other prominent cases of the #MeToo era, multiple victims had come forward to corroborate each other’s stories and present a pattern of predatory behavior. But in Kavanaugh’s case, not only was there no corroboration for Christine Blasey Ford’s accusations, no other women had come forward to accuse him of misconduct.
Here’s a link to the editorial at Fox News.
A Word for Today — Jimmy Russell
September 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
BROKENHEARTED
READ ISAIAH 15:1 THROUGH 17:14; 2 CORINTHIANS 12:1–21
Discipline is one of the most important responsibilities of parenthood, but it’s generally the one parents hate the most. Of course, children have to learn there are unpleasant consequences to selfish, dangerous behavior. But no parents enjoy seeing their children miserable, even if it’s the children’s own fault, and even if it’s a learning experience.
The pagan cultures had to face the consequences of rejecting God. This brought God no joy.
So I weep, as Jazer weeps, for the vines of Sibmah. Heshbon and Elealeh, I drench you with tears! The shouts of joy over your ripened fruit and over your harvests have been stilled (Isaiah 16:9).
Still today, people reject God and reap the consequences. God responds with sadness. God loves every human being on this planet, and it breaks His heart to see even one of them reject Him. Show that same love to those who don’t know God. Lead them away from disaster and toward a gracious and forgiving God.
Prayer Suggestion: Lord, give me Your broken heart for the lost.
Pastor Rick Warren: Use Your Money to Invest in Character, not Comfort
September 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
By Rick Warren
”Grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18 TLB).
You grow in spiritual strength by using your money to develop skills and educate yourself, to become a better leader, a better speaker, a better prayer, or just a better person.
I hate to tell you this, but you’re not taking your car to heaven with you. You’re not taking your condo or your couch or your clothes or your china to heaven.
But you are going to take your character. It may be tempting to use your money to invest in comfort, but God wants you to use your money to invest in something that’s going to heaven: your character.
That means anytime you use your money to buy a Christian book that helps you grow, you’ve invested in what I call God’s “Growth Fund.” Anytime you use some of your money to pay for a retreat or a conference that helps you improve your life, you’ve invested in the Growth Fund. Anytime you spend money on a class that helps makes you more of what God wants you to be, God smiles and says that’s a good use of money.
I’ll never forget when I bought my first Bible. I was a teenager and I thought, “This is the most important book to me, so I’m going to get the best one I can find.” I did a little research and found one that I like called the Thompson Chain Reference Bible. Then I said, “I want a binding that lasts, so I’m going to get it in the nicest leather I can find.” It costs me 60 bucks to buy that Bible—two months of my allowance. I gave up two months’ worth of snacks and movies and stuff like that, but I got a really cool Bible that I knew I could use for the rest of my life.
I still have that Bible. It’s my most treasured possession because I’ve been through it so many times and underlined and marked it all up.
The Bible says, “Why spend your money on something that is not real food? . . . Listen closely to me, and you will eat what is good; your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies” (Isaiah 55:2 NCV).
You can spend your money on “junk food” or “soul food.” Choose to spend your money on food for your soul that helps you grow spiritually.
Perry County Sheriff’s deputies deliver baby inside Pinckneyville home
September 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
PINCKNEYVILLE — At about 1:36 p.m. Monday, the Perry County Sheriff’s Department received a call of a mother going into labor, according to a news release from Perry County Sheriff Steve Bareis.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
Saluki Football vs. South Dakota notes & links
September 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Salukis host Coyotes in annual Family Weekend and Blackout Cancer game.
Story Links
| South Dakota (1-2, 0-0 MVFC) at Southern Illinois (1-2, 0-0 MVFC) | |
| Date, Time & Tickets | Sept. 29, 2018 | 6 p.m. CT | Buy Tickets |
| Location | Carbondale, Ill. | Saluki Stadium (15,000) | Gameday & Parking Info. |
| Promotions | Family Weekend | Salukis Blackout Cancer | Scout Night | Special Olympics Night |
| TV/Video Stream | ESPN+: Mike Trude, Darren Kinnard, Connor Onion |
| Live Stats | Provided by SIU |
| Radio | Saluki Radio Network with Mike Reis (play-by-play), Gene Green (analysis) and Connor James (analysis) |
| Radio Stream | TuneIn (free) |
| SIU | Game Notes (PDF) | Stats (PDF) | Media Guide (PDF) |
| South Dakota | Game Notes (PDF) | Stats | Media Guide (PDF) |
| MVFC | Weekly Notes | Stats |
| All-Time Series |
Series tied, 2-2 (H: 2-0, A: 0-2) |
| Social Media | @SIU_Football |
Series versus South Dakota
The teams have met each of the last four years, with the home team winning each time. Last year at South Dakota, Salukis’ QB Sam Straub broke his wrist on the second series of the game and was lost for the rest of the season. Two years ago at home versus the Coyotes, Straub made his first-career start and passed for 339 yards and two touchdows, plus 68 yards rushing in a 35-28 win.
Quick Facts
- SIU has scored 40 points in three-straight games for the first time since the 2009 season. The school record for consecutive 40-point games is four (in 1999 and 2002) and has never been done four-straight times to start a season.
- SIU has 1,176 yards of total offense in the last two games combined — the most in a two-game span since it had 1,227 combined versus Missouri State and Indiana State in 2015.
- SIU has scored on 11 of its last 14 first-half possessions (8 TDs, 3 FGs), dating back to the Murray State game.
- QB Sam Straub has passed for more than 300 yards twice this season. He now has seven 300-yard passing games in his career — a school record.
- WR Raphael Leonard has posted back-to-back career highs in receiving yards with 117 against Ole Miss and 124 versus SEMO. He has four TDs in the last two games.
- Eleven different players have scored touchdowns for SIU this season, including three players on defense.
Salukis in the FCS rankings
The Salukis are in the top 10 in three statistical categories among 116 FCS programs — Scoring Offense (7th, 44.7), Total Offense (5th, 540.7) and Time of Possession (2nd, 35:33).
RB D.J. Davis three-straight consecutive 100-yard games
RB D.J. Davis (5-8, 168, Jr.) has become SIU’s feature back, surpassing 100 yards in all three games this season. The last Saluki to do that was Malcolm Agnew in 2014. The last Saluki with four-straight 100-yard games was Deji Karim in 2009. Davis is coming off a career-high 35 carries against SEMO. Also a prolific receiver and return man, Davis is just the eighth player in school history to surpass 3,000 all-purpose yards. He has 3,104.
QB Sam Straub on CFPA Watch List for Player of Year
QB Sam Straub (6-4, 247, Sr.) is one of 36 FCS players on the College Football Performance Awards preseason watch list for its National Performer of the Year Trophy. Straub has a 7-7 career record as a starter. He started the final three games in 2016 and the first eight games in 2017, before a season-ending wrist injury. Straub is the only quarterback in school history to complete 30+ passes in a game three times. His career best in passing was a school-record 450 yards against Western Illinois on Nov. 19, 2016.
Pass-catching streaks
Two players enter the South Dakota game with double-digit streaks of consecutive games with at least one reception — Darrell James, 6-0, 209, Sr. (20 games) and Raphael Leonard, 6-2, 193, Sr. (14).
Landon Lenoir leads in catches
WR Landon Lenoir (5-11, 190, So.) is tied with Raphael Leonard for the team lead with 19 catches. Lenoir has two relatives currently in the NFL. Brother Lance Lenoir (age 23), who holds the Western Illinois school record for career touchdown catches (28), is currently a member the Dallas Cowboys. Cousin Laquon Treadwell (age 23) is a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings.
S Jeremy Chinn has created 10 turnovers in the last 15 games
In the last 15 games, S Jeremy Chinn (6-2, 211, Jr.) has four interceptions and six forced fumbles. A preseason All-MVC pick, he is tied for second all-time at Southern in forced fumbles (6), trailing only Tyler Williamson (8, 2012-14). Chinn has started 20-straight games at safety for SIU — the longest active starting streak on the team. He leads the team in tackles (20) this season.
Anthony Knighton is SIU’s sack leader
DE Anthony Knighton (6-4, 253, So.) leads SIU with 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. He had sacks on back-to-back plays versus SEMO on Sept. 15. Knighton was a Freshman All-American by HERO Sports and Phil Steele Magazine and the runner-up for MVFC Freshman of the Year in 2017. He started all 11 games and set SIU freshman records with 11.0 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
No seniors in starting lineup on defense
SIU’s starting defense features six juniors, four sophomores, one redshirt freshman and no seniors. Of the 22 players on the two-deep, only two are seniors (LB Withney Simon and CB C.J. Jennings).
Did you know? SIU ….
- Has averaged 38 points per game at home in two games versus South Dakota.
- TE Nigel Kilby has caught three passes this year and two have been for TDs.
- Backup TE Logan Crouse is a true freshman who played three seasons of pro baseball in the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system prior to SIU.
- K Nico Gualdoni (6-0, 227, So.) remains perfect in his kicking career. He is 7-for-7 on field goals and 25-for-25 on PATs. His career long is 39 yards. SIU was 12-for-22 (55.0%) on 4th Down Conversions last year and is 5-of-7 (71.4%) so far this year.
- Started the same 21 of 22 players in all three games.
- SIU was 12-for-22 (55.0%) on 4th Down Conversions last year and is 5-of-7 (71.4%) so far this year.
Darrell James ranks fifth in career receiving yards
With 1,720 career receiving yards, WR Darrell James (6-0, 197, Sr.) needs just 90 yards to move past Justin Roebock (1,809) into fourth all-time in receiving yards at SIU. James is 10th in career receptions with 110.
Saluki offensive line protects its QB
The Saluki offensive line surrendered just 10 sacks in 2017 for an average of 0.91 sacks per game. That mark led the MVFC and ranked 10th in the nation. The Salukis have allowed just four sacks through three games in 2018.
McDonald’s removes artificial ingredients from most burgers, except the pickle
September 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Those seeking an au naturel burger at McDonald’s should remember these three words: Hold the pickle
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
Meet SIU running back D.J. Davis
September 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
D.J. Davis is in the midst of a breakout season as the feature running back for the Salukis. The junior has rushed for 100-plus yards in three-consecutive games and ranks among the national leaders in all-purpose yards.
What was it like growing up in a household with four siblings?
It was chaotic but great. I was the middle child of three brothers and one sister. My sister was calm, but my brothers and I were constantly competing. When we weren’t playing football, we were running around messing with each other.
The high school you attended, American Heritage (Fla.), is one of the most successful football programs in the nation. How was your experience playing there?
After the spring of my sophomore year, I transferred to American Heritage, so I had two full years with the team. Those two seasons, we made it to the state championship. Unfortunately, we lost to Trinity Christian both years which was heartbreaking.
Are there any notable players in college football or the NFL that you have played with or against?
I have played with a number of big-time college recruits who I believe will eventually make it to the NFL. One that stood out is Greg Bryant, who played at Notre Dame and UAB prior to his death in 2016. I also remember Trinity Christian having seven DI college recruits on the defense alone.
Do you believe you were overlooked by college recruiters?
I feel like because I am a smaller running back, I was overlooked. It just gives me additional motivation to prove them and other doubters wrong.
Was it a struggle adjusting to SIU?
My high school is like a mini-college so I was prepared coming to SIU. Freshman year is a bit of a struggle for everyone but once you get through it, the process becomes much easier.
At 5’8, 168 pounds, how do you try and keep your body in good shape through an entire football season?
At every level of football, I have been one of the smallest guys on the field. I train and take care of my body to the best of my ability and take advantage of treatment options after each practice and game.
Have you noticed any differences transitioning from a pass-catching back to an every-down back?
My role has changed a lot. Last week, I carried the ball 35 times, which is my most by a landslide. After my sophomore year, I told myself and coach Griffin that I was going to prove that I am an every-down back. The weekly goal during the offseason and playing season is for steady improvement so that it translates to wins for the team.
Through three games, you have already eclipsed your previous career-high in rushing yards. What would you attribute to this early success?
None of that is achieved without the offensive line. They are doing an amazing job and work hard every down. I am trying to match their level of hard work and it has resulted in success so far. I have to hand it to coach Griffin as well. He is doing great things with the running backs. The simple concepts like pressing the hole and blocking are making us better as a group.
This is your third year under running backs coach Nate Griffin. What type of impact has he played since your arrival to SIU?
He has made a positive impact on and off the field. He cares about each running back when it comes to football, school and life. I can talk to coach Griffin about anything and knowing that he cares so much, makes me want to go 10-times harder on the field for him.
Coach Hill has raved about your hard work and dedication. Do you credit anyone to instilling that mentality?
My older brother is one of my biggest role models. I knew how much the game of football meant to him. Growing up, I always wanted to be like him. Once I saw the game taken away from him, I realized the same can happen to me as well. It drives me to give it my all every play, whether its in practice, blocking or running the ball.
What has been the toughest moment since your arrival to southern Illinois?
My aunt died during my freshman year and I found out last spring that my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. While I keep a composed demeanor off the field, they were truly tough moments. Thinking of them, pushes me to work even harder on the field.
What was it like growing up in a household with four siblings?
It was chaotic but great. I was the middle child of three brothers and one sister. My sister was calm, but my brothers and I were constantly competing. When we weren’t playing football, we were running around messing with each other.
The high school you attended, American Heritage (Fla.), is one of the most successful football programs in the nation. How was your experience playing there? After the spring of my sophomore year, I transferred to American Heritage, so I had two full years with the team. Those two seasons, we made it to the state championship. Unfortunately, we lost to Trinity Christian both years which was heartbreaking.
Are there any notable players in college football or the NFL that you have played with or against?
I have played with a number of big-time college recruits who I believe will eventually make it to the NFL. One that stood out is Greg Bryant, who played at Notre Dame and UAB prior to his death in 2016. I also remember Trinity Christian having seven DI college recruits on the defense alone.
Do you believe you were overlooked by college recruiters?
I feel like because I am a smaller running back, I was overlooked. It just gives me additional motivation to prove them and other doubters wrong.
Was it a struggle adjusting to SIU?
My high school is like a mini-college so I was prepared coming to SIU. Freshman year is a bit of a struggle for everyone but once you get through it, the process becomes much easier.
At 5’8, 168 pounds, how do you try and keep your body in good shape through an entire football season?
At every level of football, I have been one of the smallest guys on the field. I train and take care of my body to the best of my ability and take advantage of treatment options after each practice and game.
Have you noticed any differences transitioning from a pass-catching back to an every-down back?
My role has changed a lot. Last week, I carried the ball 35 times, which is my most by a landslide. After my sophomore year, I told myself and coach Griffin that I was going to prove that I am an every-down back. The weekly goal during the offseason and playing season is for steady improvement so that it translates to wins for the team.
Through three games, you have already eclipsed your previous career-high in rushing yards. What would you attribute to this early success?
None of that is achieved without the offensive line. They are doing an amazing job and work hard every down. I am trying to match their level of hard work and it has resulted in success so far. I have to hand it to coach Griffin as well. He is doing great things with the running backs. The simple concepts like pressing the hole and blocking are making us better as a group.
This is your third year under running backs coach Nate Griffin. What type of impact has he played since your arrival to SIU?
He has made a positive impact on and off the field. He cares about each running back when it comes to football, school and life. I can talk to coach Griffin about anything and knowing that he cares so much, makes me want to go 10-times harder on the field for him.
Coach Hill has raved about your hard work and dedication. Do you credit anyone to instilling that mentality?
My older brother is one of my biggest role models. I knew how much the game of football meant to him. Growing up, I always wanted to be like him. Once I saw the game taken away from him, I realized the same can happen to me as well. It drives me to give it my all every play, whether its in practice, blocking or running the ball.
What has been the toughest moment since your arrival to southern Illinois?
My aunt died during my freshman year and I found out last spring that my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. While I keep a composed demeanor off the field, they were truly tough moments. Thinking of them, pushes me to work even harder on the field.
Column: Joe Maddon’s initial response to Addison Russell issue sends a misguided — and dangerous — message
September 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
When it comes to a disturbing account of alleged domestic and emotional abuse of Melisa Reidy-Russell at the hands of her ex-husband, Cubs shortstop Addison Russell, Cubs manager Joe Maddon wanted us to believe he was uninterested. “I really don’t believe I need to” read her blog post, he said.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
Bill Daley gives $500,000 to his Chicago mayoral campaign
September 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Bill Daley has put $500,000 into his campaign fund, the first big cash commitment he’s made to his young campaign for Chicago mayor, records show.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
