SIU running back Shaun Lester Jr. led the Salukis in rushing en route to a win at Austin Peay. (Photo by Saluki Communications)
By Dan Verdun
Southern Illinois rode a strong running game and an attacking defense to stifle Austin Peay, 31-17, Saturday night in Clarksville, Tenn.
The 10th-ranked Salukis (1-1) ran for 213 yards and racked up seven sacks against the Governors (0-2) of the United Athletic Conference.
“That’s your best pass defense, when you can put heat on the quarterback,” SIU head coach Nick Hill said. “We were getting so many tackles for loss there, where it’s second and long, then you can really crank up your pressures.
“I felt like the defense really closed out the game. They were given the opportunity, and they did.”
Shaun Lester, Jr. ran for a game-high 111 yards to spark the SIU offense.
The Salukis forced two key turnovers, both of which fed the Southern offense.
Linebacker Ben Bogle enjoyed a career night. The sophomore racked up a 12 tackles, including a school-record 6.5 for loss. Bogle collected 3.5 sacks.
This marked the second straight year that SIU defeated Austin Peay.
Game changers
1:15, 2nd quarter: SIU safety Ubayd Steed forced an Austin Peay fumble, recovered by teammate Isaiah Bigby. That led to a Saluki touchdown eight plays later.
“Unbelievable play,” Hill said. “That’s what we talk about, playing with a relentless passion. Chasing at the ball, punching at the ball from behind, and what that can lead to in a football game. It wins and loses you games.”
0:01, 2nd quarter: SIU quarterback D.J. Williams completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to Nah’shawn Hezekiah. Paul Geelen’s extra point gave the Salukis a 14-10 halftime lead.
4:34, 4th quarter: Williams scored on a 1-yard TD run, his third rushing TD of the season. It gave SIU a 28-17 lead.
What it means
The Salukis pick up their first victory of the year following last week’s loss at FBS Brigham Young.
Prairie State Pigskin chooses the top three Saluki players in the game:
Bogle, LB: The sophomore collected a career-best 12 tackles. He added 3.5 sacks and an SIU record 6.5 TFLs.
Williams, QB: The Thornton Township High School graduate threw for 156 yards and two touchdowns. He also gained 52 yards – 43 net – and ran for a TD.
Lester, RB: The junior rushed for 111 yards, including a 46-yarder that set up a Williams touchdown in the fourth quarter. That score and the extra point lifted SIU’s lead to 11 points.
What’s next
SIU plays its first home game of the season, a 6 p.m. kickoff Sept. 14 against Incarnate Word.
Dan Verdun is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin. He has written four books: NIU Huskies Football, EIU Panthers Football, ISU Redbirds Football and SIU Salukis Football.
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