Back in my younger days a musical group called Bachman Turner Overdrive had a huge hit with a song entitled "Taking Care of Business.'

The Southern Illinois University football team has been doing just that for the past six weeks. The Dawgs did it again Saturday, defeating SEMO, 42-24. That victory should have nailed down a top two playoff seed for SIU.

The Salukis were already on the cusp of a good season Oct. 17 when they went to the University of Northern Iowa. Normally, the UNI-Dome is where good seasons and playoff hopes go to die.

Not this year, not with this team.

SIU solidified itself as the conference favorite with a 27-20 win over the Panthers.

That huge victory created a new set of circumstances. After winning at the UNI-Dome the Salukis had to worry about letting their guard down against lesser opponents.

Again, the Dawgs took care of business, disposing of Youngstown State and Indiana State before traveling to Brookings, S.D., to face the Jackrabbits.

By the time the Salukis got to Brookings, the win over Northern Iowa was nearly a moot point. A week after SIU topped the Panthers; South Dakota State also defeated UNI.

Essentially, the Missouri Valley Football Conference season, and the conference's automatic bid, rode on the outcome of the game. Again, the Dawgs took care of business in a virtually drama-free 34-15 win.

That victory upped the ante even more.

After defeating South Dakota State, the Salukis rose to the No. 1 ranking The Sports Network's Football Championship Division Subdivision.

More pressure? Could be.

More incentive? Definitely.

The No. 1 ranking placed added emphasis on the final Valley game with Missouri State. It also provided a real sense of purpose for the Salukis game with Southeast Missouri State on Saturday. SIU had to win, and they had to win somewhat convincingly in order to gain a top seed for the postseason.

Getting a top seed is a big deal, and once again, the Dawgs took care of business.

The top two seeds are guaranteed home games throughout the playoffs, providing they keep winning. It really doesn't matter if you're No. 1 or No. 2; you're going to be home.

And, even in the Dawgs get seeded third or fourth today, and there is no conceivable reason they won't be one of the four seeded teams, that's not a bad deal.

The third and fourth seeds are guaranteed home games, as long as they keep winning, until the semifinals.

That's why Saturday's game, indeed the last six games were critical. The victory at SEMO might not have been aesthetically pleasing, but it was a double-digit win. And, fortunately for SIU fans, that should be enough to take care of business.

LES WINKELER is the sports editor for The Southern Illinoisan. Contact him at les.winkeler@thesouthern.com, or call 618-351-5088.

 

Related

• No. 1 gets No. 10