Fred Huff on SIU Sports: McIntosh No Longer a Mystery

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ The more we see of sub quarterback Paul McIntosh, the more we like about SIU's 2009 football Salukis. It's not that initial first-string quarterback Chris Dieker had any major flaws. It's just that the kid McIntosh provides coach Dale Lennon with another offensive weapon. It's called the "quarterback keeper".

Time after time, in fact some in the stands even questioned how predictable the call became, when the Salukis needed yardage, they turned to McIntosh's running skills. Time after time, he delivered.

So, who is this unknown kid who now is a Saluki leader and a player who may be leading SIU to a second national championship?

A native of Evansville, McIntosh first attended the United States Military Academy at West Point (Army), transferred to SIU last fall and put in the required year's residency before being eligible to play for the Salukis.

He's hardly a stranger to the game, however. At Reitz High School in Evansvile, the 6-2, 205 standout threw for 2,400 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior while leading his teammates to a 15-0 record and state championship. He was Indiana's "Mr. Football" and "Gatorade Player of the Year" in 2007.

Obviously Dieker, who has done little wrong since taking over the key spot in SIU's offense a year ago, is still a potential all-Missouri Valley Conference team member who simply went down in mid-season with a broken collar bone.

Now healthy, Dieker is available for duty and it's probably one of Lennon's most enjoyable decisions as a coach he's ever faced. Two talented quarterbacks available, but only one at a time allowed on the field.

Without trying to create a controversy when there really isn't one, at least not yet, the Salukis are suddenly well-fixed offensively speaking. We haven't even mentioned Deji Karim who is a candidate for national honors as a running back. And SIU's defense continues to control opponent's running games.

The Salukis have a major challenge ahead of them in Saturday's quarter-final playoff game set for an 11 a.m. start in McAndrew Stadium.

William & Mary is worthy of its spot in the NCAA playoffs which will wind up Dec. 18 with a new champion being determined in Knoxville, Tenn.

The Tribe has a solid offense and defense and will be arriving in southern Illinois with an overall 10-2 record. What's even more impressive is the fact that W&M's two losses have been to Richmond (13-10) and Villanova (28-17). Together those two teams that own wins over W&M have won 22 of 24 games this season and both are still alive in this year's playoff picture.

It all adds up to the fact that Saturday's game in McAndrew may be one of the finest ever played in the venerable 73-year-old facility. And, we all realize it may be the finale.

Should the Salukis stay alive and earn a spot in the semifinals the following week, it's unknown what the chances are of hosting a third playoff game or if SIU will be forced to go on the road.

In either event, win or lose, home or away, many at SIU are deserving of accolades. Right now. Such as:

Athletics director Mario Moccia for having the wisdom in hiring Lennon to replace Jerry Kill.

Coach Lennon, as well as his assistants, for having turned in masterful coaching jobs immediately after arriving in southern Illinois.

And to McIntosh, Dieker, Karim and their teammates for getting the job done on the field.

Now it's simply up to southern Illinois football fans to show their appreciation and support by attending Saturday's game.