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GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 25, EXPRESS 4 • 2 that so easily get repetitive. It's that kind of response that demonstrat- ed what Hazell and players have been insisting since the spring: This version of the Boilermak- ers is di erent. Hazell said the work ethic, the attention to detail, the attitude are better. He said players are hungry. He said they've set a high standard of play and now need to live up to it. Mostert said there's character owing through the locker room, guys who desperately want to make an impact and improve the level of play. Players still believe, even after two consecu- tive losses, that the season is full of opportunity. "We really feel as though we're going to make a run and nobody can really stop us be- sides ourselves," Mostert said. "That's what hap- pened in the Notre Dame game, we had a cou- ple plays that we stopped ourselves and were just shy of scoring or getting into the red zone. It was just all the little things. So we just have to progress each and every day. "We know the potential we have going into this game. This game is very important for us to win. You've got to win these non-conference games because it ultimately helps your record. The intensity level is right where we need it and we need to continue to grow." j Beware of the Salukis Three phrases to know when sizing up Saturday's game: Close vs. Big Boys Seven of SIU's last 11 games against FBS teams have been one-possession games decided by eight points or less. Run Stoppers SIU held last year's FBS Illinois to negative-19 rushing yards in the rst half and 49 for the game. The defense returns eight starters. Fast Starters SIU has outscored opponents 49-10 in the rst quarter this year.