Salukis are good, but not that good

Our first question this week comes from J. Dearman, who writes, "What's up with Southern Illinois playing better without me? "

It was a good run for the Salukis this year, but they're certainly not as good as last year's team or the Sweet 16 team from two years ago.

Don't get me wrong, Matt Painter can flat out coach because everybody expected SIU to fall flat on its face this year, and it turns out they won the league. But this team hasn't played anybody. Its strength of schedule is 101st in the country -- not even in the top 100!

No. 15 in the country maybe the highest ranking in school history, but it's not the best team in school history.

The second question comes from Q. Snyder, who writes, "Are we off the bubble yet?"

Glad you asked. As a University of Missouri fan, I think you were off the bubble a long time ago. Realistically, the Tigers have to win a few games in the Big 12 tournament to prove they're a better team than Colorado, Nebraska and Belmont -- the teams they should have beaten in the regular season.

Our third question comes from M. Stewart, who writes, "Am I going to jail?"

Two words: Poster child.

Of course you're going to jail. Didn't you hear what the prosecuting attorney said about the verdict? They wanted to make an example out of you.

Just don't try to give the cooks tips about the food, you might wind up ... well, let's just say it would not be "a good thing".

Here's something that's always a good thing, your week ahead:

Wednesday

St. Louis University visits Southeast Missouri State at 3 p.m. in baseball. St. Louis was 4-6 at the beginning of this week.

Thursday

You know I love student nights. I love it even more when the Blues give away free T-shirts, even if they say Verizon Wireless on them. The Nashville Predators visit the Blues at 7 p.m. Nashville is just ahead of the Blues in the Western Conference standings, but the Blues might already be done.

Friday

The Southeast Softball Classic begins the Otahkians' home schedule. They make their debut at 4 p.m. against Southwest Missouri State. The tournament continues Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday

The Blues are giving away Dallas Drake Fishing Lures to the first 15,000 fans. I wouldn't try to catch any fish with that thing, especially if Drake's ugly mug is on there -- it would scare the fish away. Blue Jackets at Blues at 7 p.m.

David Wilson is a sportswriter for the Southeast Missourian and a student at Central High School. His column appears every Monday.