GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- Talking about last week's tough loss in their first Great West Conference game at UC Davis, junior linebacker Andrew Miller said the Fighting Sioux are close to competing with some of the best at the Division I-FCS level. However, they learned that the margin for error is much smaller and they must be focused every week.

"We're still a work in progress," Miller said. "We just need to come out every week with the emphasis on getting better, shoring up technique issues and just trying to get better on our assignments."

The Sioux will have to bounce back quickly. They have another tough challenge on the road ahead of them. UND travels to Southern Illinois on Saturday for a game against the Salukis, who are ranked No. 11 in the country and led by former UND head coach Dale Lennon.

"I think Southern Illinois will be the best team we see this season," UND head coach Chris Mussman said.

Minimizing errors and attacking

With one of the hardest challenges ahead, how will UND attack the Salukis? Minimize errors and enforce its game plan.

"We have to go into the game, saying to our guys, 'We have to be disciplined. We can't make those mistakes (similar to the UC Davis game). We have to capitalize on those opportunities,'" Mussman said.

UND senior lineman Brian Troen said the basic goals remain the same.

"We're going to try establish the run just like any other game," Troen said. "But they're a great defense and like to fly around. So it's definitely going to be a challenge for us."

So far this season, UND's run-establishing philosophy is averaging 174 rush yards per game and 410.4 total ypg. It's been a formula for success for the Sioux, who are averaging 36 points per game.

The Lennon Game

One major issues was on the minds of the media at the weekly press briefing: former UND head coach Dale Lennon as the opponent.

However, when asked, most individuals being interviewed downplayed the significance. The common sentiment seemed to be that it will be awkward at first, sure, but he is still the opponent lined up on the other side and UND still wants to win.

As Troen suggested, it will probably have more meaning once the season is over and everyone has time to reflect.

"It is a special game," Troen said, "but, you know, really we treat this like another game of the week for us ? prepare and go down there and play a really great team. After the season, I'm sure we can take a look back and see what that game really meant."

Familiar assistants

With Lennon also comes a bevy of assistant coaches that are both familiar with UND and the old North Central Conference. UND players said that after watching game tape, they see a similarity in schemes. Some might have been instilled by Lennon, others by coordinators or position-specific assistants.

Mussman said he'll be happy to see everyone again, no hard feelings and no friendly bets on the line.

It sounds like most mustaches are safe.