Salukis eye bigger step under Hill

(STATS) - Southern Illinois will seek a bigger step in coach Nick Hill's third season as part of an 11-game 2018 schedule announced on Friday.

The Salukis, who finished 4-7 in each of the past two seasons, will host five games at Saluki Stadium, including Missouri Valley Football Conference opponents South Dakota (Sept. 29), Indiana State (Oct. 20), Western Illinois (Nov. 3) and South Dakota State (Nov. 10). They'll also host Southeast Missouri (Sept. 15).

The road portion of the schedule includes games at Ole Miss (Sept. 8) and FCS national champion North Dakota State (Nov. 17).

2018 Southern Illinois Schedule

Aug. 30, at Murray State

Sept. 8, at Ole Miss

Sept. 15, Southeast Missouri

Sept. 29, South Dakota*

Oct. 6, at Youngstown State

Oct. 13, at Illinois State*

Oct. 20, Indiana State* (Homecoming)

Oct. 27, at Missouri State*

Nov. 3, Western Illinois*

Nov. 10, South Dakota State*

Nov. 17, at North Dakota State*

* - Missouri Valley Conference game