Southern Illinois defenders Charles Whelpley (15), Ben Fiegel (45) and Ryan Algrim (48) combine to stop Samford running back David Theado (23). (Photo by SIUSalukis.com)
By Dan Verdun
A week after being stunned by FCS newcomer West Florida, Southern Illinois rebounded with a 22-18 victory Thursday night at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala.
“We needed a win,” SIU head coach Nick Hill said during the radio broadcast postgame.
SIU (1-1) rode Chandler Chapman’s legs to grind out the victory. The senior running back rushed for 133 yards on 24 carries.
“I felt like we needed to lean on him,” Hill said. “He can be that guy.”
Chapman also caught two passes for 47 yards.
“I just put all my trust in the o-line,” Chapman said. “I just want to do whatever the team needs me to do.”
Samford, a Southern Conference member, slipped to 0-2.
The Salukis, ranked No. 25 in the American Football Coaches Association FCS poll, won despite missing three field goals and a bobbled snap that resulted in an interception on an extra point.
“Last week special teams was a strength. We need consistency,” Hill said.
SIU jumped out to a 9-0 lead on sophomore tight end Karsen Konkel’s first career touchdown catch followed by a sack for a safety by Amir Dwight and Ibrahim Sanogo.
The Saluki lead grew to 15-7 on quarterback Jake Curry’s second touchdown pass, this time to senior tight end Miles Marshall just before halftime.
After Samford rallied to tie the score at 15-15, the game turned on a key play early in the fourth quarter.
The Saluki defense – led by pressure from linebacker Chris Presto and defensive end Lukus McDaniels – forced Samford quarterback Gabarri Johnson to throw on the run. Linebacker Ben Fiegel intercepted the ball at the Bulldog 27 and returned it four yards.
“I was in the right spot at the right time,” Fiegel said. “It was kind of a duck coming my way.”
“He is playing at a high level,” Hill said of Fiegel. “We won the turnover battle (1-0). That’s the difference.”
Hill had praise for Curry, who started in place on the injured D.J Williams.
“The No.1 stat for a quarterback is to lead your team to victory. He did that,” Hill said.
Game changers
13:03, 4th quarter: Fiegel’s interception set up the SIU offense at the Samford 23-yard line.
11:51, 4th quarter: On a third and 8, Curry scrambled to his left for an 18-yard gain to the Samford 3. One play later, Lem Wash scored the deciding touchdown.
1:49, 4th quarter: Chapman picked up a first down with a 1-yard run to essentially put the game away.
Standout Salukis
Prairie State Pigskin chooses the the top three Southern Illinois players in the game:
Chapman, RB: The senior accounted for 53% of the Saluki offense. He rushed 24 times for 133 yards and caught two passes for 47 yards
Fiegel, LB: The Batavia High School graduate recorded a game-high 14 tackles, six of which were solo. He had three tackles for loss and a game-changing interception.
Sanogo, DE: The Albany transfer registered six tackles, four of which were solo. The graduate student racked up 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He was also credited with two QB hurries. Sanogo combined with Amir Dwight on a safety.
What it means
SIU pulls out a road victory played in Birmingham’s 93-degree heat and humidity.
What’s next
SIU hosts Southeast Missouri in the annual “War for the Wheel” rivalry game Sept. 12 at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale. It’s the home opener for SIU.
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.
Find us on social media!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PSPigskin
Facebook: Prairie State Pigskin
Instagram: Prairiestatepigskin
Blue Sky: PSPigskin
Prairie State Pigskin 
Leave a comment