The SIU football team has made it into the top 25 national rankings for the first time since 2014.
The Salukis are tied for 25th in this week's FCS Coaches' Poll.
During his weekly news conference Monday, SIU head coach Nick Hill said his team will not be intimidated to host number one ranked North Dakota State on Saturday.
"I don't think that we'll have to do any convincing. There won't be any David vs. Goliath. We're a top 25 team for a reason. We're a good football team. Once you get into November, you're going to play a lot of good football teams. This just happens to be the number one football team. We're excited about it."
The Salukis have won five straight games.
North Dakota State has won 32 straight — one behind its own FCS record. The Bison are 11-0 so far this season and have clinched the Missouri Valley Conference title.
Kickoff Saturday is at 2 p.m. at Saluki Stadium.
