Missouri State University

GAME 8

Missouri State Bears (3-4, 2-2 MVFC)
vs.
Southern Illinois Leathernecks (3-4, 2-2 MVFC)

Game Outlook:

 Missouri State puts a four-game home winning streak on the line today when its takes on the preseason Missouri Valley Football Conference favorite Southern Illinois Salukis.

 The Bears (3-4, 2-2 MVFC) are coming off a thrilling 31-28 home win over No. 18 Western Illinois last week before a homecoming crowd of 10,134.

 Terry Allen's troops racked up 508 total yards, including 351 on the ground, to turn back the Leathernecks for the second straight season. The running back tandem of Chris Douglas (Jr., TB, Lawrenceville, Ga.) and Stephen Johnston (Jr., TB, Mansfield, Texas) combined for 295 yards for MSU, with Douglas collecting 165 yards on 18 carries and Johnston accounting for 130 on 18 attempts. Cadarrius Dotson (So., WR, Memphis, Tenn.) had a career-high six receptions for 76 yards to lead a cast of five receivers who combined for 157 yards.

 On the defensive side, Antoine Wilkinson (Sr., LB, Magnolia, Miss.) stood out with a season-high 14 tackles and a key fourth-quarter sack, while Jimmie Strong (Jr., CB, Texarkana, Texas) snagged a pair of interceptions.

 Southern Illinois (3-4, 2-2) received 30 of 36 possible first-place votes in the MVFC preseason poll and comes to Springfield after a week off.

 The Salukis lost 31-10 at home against South Dakota State in their most-recent outing on Oct. 16. Coach Dale Lennon's squad averages 167 yards per game on the ground, including 58.0 and 54.0 yards per game, respectively, by the tandem of Shariff Harris (Jr., RB, Newark, N.J.) and Lucien Walker (Sr., RB, New Smyrna Beach, Fla.).

 This week's game is the second of four consecutive Missouri State games to be televised live by Mediacom, MC-22 locally. Don West and Mike McClure will call the action for the game this week.

 The series between the Bears and Salukis, which dates to 1965, is tied 16-16. The Bears are 9-7 in Springfield against the Salukis, although SIU has won seven of the last 10 meetings overall and seven in a row.

 Missouri State ranks among the NCAA's top 10 teams in three statistical categories: fifth in scoring offense (36.57), sixth in total offense (454.00) and seventh in rushing (241.71).

 The Bears are now 441-443-39 (.499) in 99 seasons all-time, including a 198-145-12 (.575) mark at Plaster Field, which opened in 1941.

Quick Links

• Tickets or call (417) 836-7678
• Ticket Specials, Promotions and Group Rates
• Missouri State Game Notes
• MSU Showcase 2010 Information
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• Visitor's Guide
• Trick-or-treating at BearFest Village starts at 11 a.m.!

Ticket Specials & Promotions

  > CALL (417) 836-7678 or go on-line to www.MissouriStateTix.com.

  > Single Game Packages

• Food, Fun and Football Family Pack: One of the best values available, this package includes 4 reserved bleacher tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 Pepsi soft drinks for just $50!!
• Kids Free: All kids 12 and under receive a free reserved bleacher seat for all games.
• Group Rates: $5 per ticket for all groups of 15 or more. Call (417) 836-4143 for details.
• Middle School and Youth Teams: $5 per ticket. Call (417) 836-4143 for details.
• High School Teams: Free admission with team roster. Call (417) 836-4143 for details.

 > Season Packages

• Young Bears Fund Package: 25% discount on all season ticket packages for Missouri State Bears Fund members, ages 22-27. Other benefits include: 50% discounts on PRIME Overtime Club memberships for basketball; 25% discount on season tickets for volleyball, basketball, softball and baseball; 50% discount on Annual Seat Assessments for basketball and football seats; special individual game ticket promotions and networking opportunities throughout the year. For information, please the Bears Fund Office at (417) 836-4143 or email athleticsdevelopment@missouristate.edu.
• Faculty/Staff Season Packages: Missouri State faculty and staff may purchase season tickets for $25 for reserved bleacher seats; $40 for reserved bleacher-back seats; and $50 for chairback seats.
• Senior Season Packages: All senior citizens are eligible for special discounted season tickets as follows: $50 for reserved bleachers; $72 for reserved bleacher-back seats; and $90 for chairback seating areas.