SETTING THE STAGE
The fifth season of the Trent Miles era continues on Saturday, Sept. 29, as the Sycamores hit the road in Missouri Valley Football Conference play against Southern Illinois. Saturday's game is set for a 7:04 p.m. (ET) kickoff at Saluki Stadium (15,000). The game will be broadcast live world-wide on ESPN 3 with Scott Warmann (pbp), Danan Hughes (color) and Kelly Burke (sidelines) on the call. The game will also air live on WIBQ (98.5 FM), with Fritz and James calling the action for the Nelligan Sports Marketing Radio Network. Action can be heard live worldwide on GoSycamores.com. Information on how to access the ESPN 3 Broadcast can be found on page 2 of this release.

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS SERIES
Southern Illinois has won each of the last nine meetings in the all-time series against Indiana State and now hold a 26-23 advantage in games played between the two schools on the gridiron. ISU last defeated the Salukis on November 9, 2002 in Carbondale, Ill., by a score of 21-14. ISU has dropped each of its last four games in Carbondale and is 0-1 at Saluki Stadium, which opened in 2010.

THE COACHES
INDIANA STATE: Trent Miles (Indiana State '87)
- Overall: 15-34 (5th Season)
- at Indiana State: 15-34 (5th Season)
- vs. SIU: 0-4
- vs. Missouri Valley Football Conference: 9-24
SIU: Dale Lennon (North Dakota, '83)
- Overall: 133-53 (16th Season)
- at SIU: 31-20 (5th Season)
- vs. Indiana State: 4-0
- vs. Missouri Valley Football Conference: 21-11

QUICK HITS
- The Indiana State defense has allowed just three offensive touchdowns to the opposition in its last 13 quarters of action and its 14.5 ppg allowed average is ranked second in the MVFC and seventh nationally.
- Shakir Bell set the MVFC and ISU single-game rushing record with his 349 yard outburst against Drake on September 15. His 349 yards are also the eighth-best single-game rushing total in the history of FCS football and that total is the highest by anyone in all levels of college football through the first three weeks of the season.
- Shakir Bell is averaging 166 rushing yards per game in 2012, which ranks second best in the nation and in the conference. He needs just 17 more rushing yards to become the fourth Sycamore all-time to reach 3,000 rushing yards for his career.

An Indiana State Win Over Southern Illinois Would ...
• Avoid the Sycamores' first 0-2 start to MVFC play since 2009.
• Improve the Sycamores to 26-24 all-time against the Salukis and break a current nine-game losing streak to SIU, including each of the last four in Carbondale.
• Give the Sycamores two victories in a row on the road in league play dating back to a 28-20 victory over Missouri State last season.
• Give the Sycamores a victory in their first road league game of the season for the second straight year.

The Indiana State Head Coach
Indiana State head coach Trent Miles (Indiana State, 1987) is 15-34 (.306) overall in his fifth season as a head coach, all with the Sycamores. He is 9-24 all-time in MVFC games, including a 6-11 mark at home and a 3-13 mark on the road. During his career, he is 11-14 in all home games, 4-20 on the road and 3-3 in games decided by three points or less. Miles is 0-4 all-time against Southern Illinois, and is 0-2 against the Salukis on the road. With the Trees, Miles is 1-2 in overtime games, and 1-5 in shutouts. Saturday's game is Trent Miles' 50th as Indiana State head coach.

The Southern Illinois Head Coach
Southern Illinois is led for the fifth season by Dale Lennon who is 31-20 at the helm of the Saluki football program. In his 16th season as head coach at SIU, North Dakota and Mary, Lennon owns a career record of 133-53. He is 21-11 against members of the Missouri Valley Football Conference and is a perfect 4-0 against Indiana State.

Scouting The Salukis
Southern Illinois is 2-2 on the season and is 1-0 in Missouri Valley Football Conference play, owning a non-conference victory over Southeast Missouri State as well as a win last week at Missouri State in its league opener.

A Little History
This marks the 108th season of football at Indiana State, dating back to 1896. The University did not field teams from 1899 to 1900, 1908 or from 1910 to 1919. ISU owns an all-time record of 353-476-22 and is competing for the 27th consecutive season as a member of the MVFC.

Television Particulars
Indiana State's game at Southern Illinois will be streamed live online for free by ESPN 3 as well as the Watch ESPN App. In order to watch the contest, fans must be subscribed with either a television or internet company which is partnered with ESPN 3. Those with a subscription can watch the game live on either the internet or most smartphones and tablets. ESPN 3 is available on most college campuses and American military bases at no charge.

Bell Sets MVFC & ISU Rushing Records In Victory Over Drake
Indiana State junior running back Shakir Bell etched his name in both the Missouri Valley Football Conference and Indiana State record books yet again on September 15 when he gained 349 yards on the ground to set both the school and conference single-game rushing record against Drake. For his efforts, Bell was named both the MVFC Offensive Player Of The Week and The Sports Network National Offensive Player Of The Week. His 349-yard rushing effort is the highest single-game total so far this season for both FBS and FCS and is the eighth-highest total ever in FCS history. His 203.3 rushing yards per game average ranks second in the FCS to South Dakota State's Zach Zenner. Senior center Evan Borchers, who laid key blocks for Bell during the game was named the MVFC Offensive Lineman Of The Week as well.

Shakir Bell Moving Up On The ISU Career Rushing Charts
After 26 games of his career, junior tailback Shakir Bell has moved into ISU's top four for career rushing yards with his 2,983 career total. Bell current sits 248 yards behind Derrick Franklin for third on the all-time list. Bell has reached 100 yards rushing in 14 of his 26 career games and his 349 yards against Drake are a new MVFC and ISU school record while his 192 yards against Indiana were the most ever by a Sycamore in a season opener and the seventh-best rushing mark for Bell in a single game during his career. Vincent Allen (4,335 yards from 1973-77) and David Wright (4,181 yards from 1992-95) also sit ahead of Bell on the ISU all-time career rushing list. Bell needs just 17 more yards to become just the fourth Sycamore to reach 3,000 rushing yards in a career.

Bell Sets Season Opener School Record For Rushing At Indiana
Indiana State junior tailback Shakir Bell rushed for 192 yards on 24 attempts with a touchdown and added four pass receptions for 31 yards as the Sycamores narrowly fell 24-17 at Indiana, of the Big Ten Conference. Bell's 192 yards are a new school record for the Sycamores for most rushing yards in a season opening contest surpassing the previous standard of 160 yards set in 2010 by Darrius Gates. Bell got the Sycamores on the scoreboard during their second drive when he burst through the line untouched for a 54-yard scoring rush for the quick 7-0 advantage. Bell was actively involved in the passing game as well as he amassed 15 of his 31 yards through the air on one single screen pass. The 192 yards rushing was the 13th 100-yard rushing effort of his career and marked his sixth highest single-game total during his 23 game career. His 223 all purpose yards in the games led all players in the game.

Shakir Bell Named To Walter Payton Award Watch List
Indiana State junior running back Shakir Bell is among 20 student-athletes selected by The Sports Network for the publication's 2012 Walter Payton Award Watch List. The Walter Payton Award is presented following the season to the nation's most outstanding player at the Football Championship Subdivision level. Bell tied for second for the prestigious award following his standout sophomore season, a year that saw the Indianapolis, Ind., native led the nation with 1,670 rushing yards. The Warren Central High School product was named to the FCS Preseason All-America First Team by The Sports Network earlier this week. Bell averaged 151.8 yards per game on the ground and broke the school record for single-game rushing yards last season when he racked up 256 yards and four touchdowns in Indiana State's 37-35 win over Youngstown State on Sept. 24, 2011. The 2011 Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Player of the Year tallied 14 touchdowns in 2011, breaking the school record for single-season rushing yards (1,670) and posted the eighth-best total in MVFC history.

Defense Shining Too; Have Allowed Just Three Touchdowns In Last 13 Quarters
The Sycamore defense has been outstanding so far this season, allowing just 58 points over the first four games, including the program's first shutout since 1996 with the 44-0 victory over Quincy. ISU has allowed just three offensive touchdowns to the opposition in the last 13 quarters of action. ISU is allowing a paltry 14.5 points per game, which ranks second in the MVFC to North Dakota State and is seventh-best nationally.

Fritschle Has Field Goals To Close First Half In All Four Games This Season
Indiana State sophomore kicker Tanner Fritschle has been very effective at the kicking position this year, hitting 7-of-8 field goal attempts and is a perfect 11-of-11 on PAT's so far through four contests. Fritschle's lone miss came against Drake when a season-long, 46-yard attempt sailed wide right. Fritschle did connect on a 25-yard field goal as the first half expired against South Dakota State, giving the Washington, Ind., native a field goal as the clock has reached 0:00 heading into halftime in all four games so far this season.

Aaron Archie & Jacolby Washington Anchoring Defense
Indiana State seniors Aaron Archie and Jacolby Washington paced the team with 11 and 10 total tackles, respectively, in the Sycamores' MVFC opener against South Dakota State. Archie leads the team with 49 total tackles on the year while Washington is right behind him with 47 total stops. Archie is averaging 11.75 tackles per game which leads the MVFC and is a mark that is tied for seventh nationally.

Offense and Defense Highly Ranked Nationally
The Indiana State offense is churning out 379.5 yards of total offense per game which ranks 55th nationally while the Sycamore defense is allowing just 321.25 yards per game which is 25th. The Sycamores are giving up an average of 14.5 points per game, which ranks second in the league to defending national champion North Dakota State and is the seventh-best mark nationally.

Sycamores Successful Running The Ball And Stopping Opponents
Paced by the play of junior Shakir Bell, who ranks second nationally with a 166.0 rushing yards per game average, the Sycamore ground game is averaging 201 yards per game, which is fourth in the MVFC and is ranked 24th nationally. Meanwhile the Sycamore defense is allowing just 146 yards per game on the ground, which is sixth in the league and ranks 48th-best in FCS.

Ben Obaseki Named To Buck Buchanan Award Watch List
Indiana State senior defensive lineman Ben Obaseki is one of 20 players nationally to be named to the 2012 Buck Buchanan Award Watch List as announced by The Sports Network. The Buck Buchanan Award is awarded annually at the FCS Awards Banquet during NCAA FCS Championship weekend to the nation's top FCS defensive player. Earlier this month, Shakir Bell was named to the Walter Payton Award Watch List, which goes to the top offensive player in FCS. Bell finished tied for second in last season's voting as a sophomore. Last season, Obaseki was named a First Team All-American by the Associated Press and was a First Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference performer. He finished third in the league's Defensive Player of the Year voting after leading the Sycamores with 7.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss, which tied for second and third in the MVFC, respectively, in those categories. He posted 22 total tackles against Western Illinois on October 15 which is the most by a defensive lineman in the history of the MVFC. Obaseki also plays fullback in goal line situations as he scored five touchdowns last season on five rushing attempts. Obaseki was also a First Team All-MVFC performer as sophomore in 2010.

Bringing Back Memories Of "The Fridge"
The Sycamores' senior defensive end Ben Obaseki found the end zone for the seventh time of his career on the offensive side of the football when he plunged in from one yard out in the 2012 home opener against Quincy. Obaseki has seven career rushes to his credit - all leading to Sycamore touchdowns.

Sycamores With Back To Back Winning Seasons
Indiana State has finished 6-5 in each of the last two seasons to record winning ledgers in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the 1995 & 1996 campaigns. With a winning mark in 2012, the Sycamores would post at least three consecutive winning records for the first time since a span of six seasons from 1964 to 1969.

Six Sycamores Named To Preseason All-MVFC Squad
A total of six Sycamores were named to the 2012 Missouri Valley Football Conference Preseason Team while Indiana State has been picked to finish fifth in the newly expanded 10-team league, according to a preseason poll of MVFC head coaches, beat writers, radio announcers and sports information directors. Senior Ben Obaseki and junior Shakir Bell, who have both earned Preseason All-America honors and have been named to the Buck Buchanan and Walter Payton Award Watch Lists, respectively, were each named to the MVFC Preseason Team. Senior offensive lineman FN Lutz, who is recovering from a knee injury sustained at the Spring Game, was named to the preseason squad as well. On defense, Obaseki is joined by senior linebackers Aaron Archie and Jacolby Washington. Senior Lucas Hileman, who joined the team two weeks into 2011, was named to the MVFC Preseason Team as the punter.

Sycamores Against The Missouri Valley Football Conference
Indiana State is in its 27th season as a member of the MVFC. ISU's first season as a league member came in 1986 when it went 1-5 through a six-game league schedule. The Sycamores are 46-115 in MVFC contests and have won seven of their last 14 league matchups, marking the first time since the 2002 season that an ISU team has won multiple league contests over a similar stretch.

FN Lutz Nominated For 2011 All-State AFCA Good Works Team
Indiana State senior offensive lineman FN Lutz is one of 117 nominees nationwide for the 2012 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team as announced today by the national coaches' organization. In 2011, Lutz was named both First Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference as well as First Team MVFC All-Academic following a season that saw him start all 11 games at center. He spearheaded an Indiana State rushing attack that averaging 181.9 yards per game as well as a league-leading 5.3 yards per carry. He was an Honorable Mention All-MVFC pick in 2010 as a sophomore. Lutz is joined by Colton Underwood of Illinois State, Billy Turner of North Dakota State, Bo Helm of South Dakota State and Kyle Bernard of Northern Iowa as representatives of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. As one of college football's most prestigious off-the-field honors, the award recognizes a select group of college football players committed to making a difference in their communities. Since 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® has shown a spotlight on the countless "good works" and remarkable stories of service by student-athletes at all levels of college football competition. Award recipients represent the sport's finest in terms of character and leadership in the community.

In Overtime
The Sycamores have played in 12 overtime contests since the rule was established for regular season games in the NCAA FCS Subdivision in 1996. The Sycamores are 7-5 in games that have used an extra period. ISU's last overtime contest came in the form of a 38-35 victory against Missouri State in the sixth game of the 2010 season.

Up Next
Indiana State returns home on Saturday, October 6 for the annual Homecoming contest against Missouri State. Kick-off against the Bears is set for 3:05 p.m. (ET).