Senior Bradley Clark (9) reeled in the game-winning touchdown as Southern Illinois pulled off the biggest comeback in program history Nov. 9 against Youngstown State. (Photo by Saluki Communications)
By Dan Verdun
What began as a promising season soon morphed into injuries and shortcomings that derailed Southern Illinois’ high hopes of returning to the FCS postseason.
After an opening-season loss at FBS Brigham Young University, SIU defeated nonconference foes Austin Peay and Incarnate Word, the latter an eventual playoff quarterfinalist.
However, injuries then began to chip away at key players and position groups. With the Salukis facing one of the nation’s most difficult schedules according to the Massey ratings, SIU soon spiraled into a six-game losing streak.
Southern did manage to regroup and win two of its final three games, including a 62-0 season finale in which retired quarterback-turned defensive GA-turned unretired QB Michael Lindauer passed for a school-record seven touchdowns.
Here’s our look back on Southern’s 2024 season:
Head coach: Nick Hill
Conference: Missouri Valley Football Conference
Overall record (conference record): 4-8 (2-6)
Biggest win: The Salukis pulled off the biggest comeback in program history, rallying from 28 points down to shock Youngstown State, 37-33. True freshman QB Jake Curry threw two touchdown passes in the final three minutes, including a 20-yard game-winning strike to receiver Bradley Clark with 64 seconds remaining.
Most disappointing loss: Three second-half turnovers allowed Indiana State to rally from a 17-point deficit and knock off SIU, 20-17, in Terre Haute.
“I feel like in every game we’ve found a little bit of rhythm, but it’s a four-quarter game and you have to be able to finish in this league,” Hill said afterward.
Breakout players
Offense: Despite missing two games with an injury, receiver Keontez Lewis finished second in the MVFC in yards per catch (16.59), fourth in receiving yards per game (73.9), sixth in receiving yards (813) and seventh in touchdowns (5). Playing much of the fall with a broken wrist, the East St. Louis native earned all-league honorable mention accolades.
Defense: Linebacker Ben Bogle was tabbed as one of the 35 finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award as the top FCS defensive player following a breakout sophomore season. Bogle recorded 16.5 tackles for loss, 87 tackles and 5.5 sacks. The Florida native also bagged two interceptions, two pass breakups, three QB hurries and a fumble recovery.
2025 season opener: According to FBSchedules.com, the Salukis begin next fall with a Sept. 6 game at FBS Purdue.
Up next: Barry Bottino examines 5 Burning Questions facing Southern Illinois football.
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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