ST. LOUIS - Western Illinois running back Herb Donaldson enters his senior season with 2,962 yards rushing. He could break Travis Glasford's school record of 4,189.

The conference record of 4,715 is held by Tom Koutsos of Southern Illinois.

"Stats are cool, but I'm trying to get more wins," Donaldson said. "If we get to nine wins, we should be in somebody's playoffs."

The Leathernecks are seeking their first playoff appearance since 2003.

Playoffs expand in 2010

The Football Championship Subdivision playoffs will expand from 16 to 20 teams in 2010.

"And we hope it will go to 24 as quickly as possible," said Viverito. "This is a very welcome development."

Getting to know you

South Dakota State coach John Stiegelmeier, whose Jackrabbits competed in the Great West Conference in 2007, doesn't feel like a stranger around the other Valley coaches.

"We're all related," he said. "Our first name is Coach."

Redbirds get rolling

ISU players report on July 30 with the start of practice the next day.