SIU wide receiver Markell Quick had four catches Saturday for 145 yards in the Salukis’ 46-6 victory at Murray State. (Photo by SIUSalukis.com)
By Barry Bottino
Southern Illinois powered its way to a season-high 459 yards of offense Saturday at Murray State, but the defense and special teams had plenty to say as well in a 46-6 victory.
The No. 24 Salukis (3-2) fell behind 6-0 in the first quarter, but ripped off 46 unanswered points in their Missouri Valley Football Conference opener against the Racers (1-4). SIU also intercepted two passes and blocked a punt.
“The hidden yardage in this game was such a big thing. Our punt returns. Scoring on special teams,” SIU head coach Nick Hill said. “Our picks that were getting multiple first downs on return yardage. Those are team yards. They’re not going to show up in stats on offense. Those are multiple first downs.
“I just felt like the guys’ mentality was where it needed to be.”
Cornerback Joshua Newkirk returned a blocked punt 15 yards for a second-quarter touchdown to give SIU a 22-6 lead. Just 19 seconds before halftime, quarterback D.J. Williams (13-for-20, 217 yards, two pass TDs) connected on a 6-yard strike to running back Eddie Robinson for a commanding 29-6 lead.
The Robinson touchdown was set up by defensive back Sebastian Vargas, who returned a pick 67 yards to the Murray 29-yard line. Vargas has an interception in three games in a row.
Kicker Weston Schofield, who started his first career game last week, connected on a school-record four field goals. He made kicks from 29, 34, 27 and 36 yards.
On special teams, the Salukis averaged 17.6 yards per return Saturday.
The defense also got an interception from linebacker Andrew Behm and sacks from defensive tackle Amir Dwight and cornerback Cameron Cason.
Game changers
12:34, 2nd quarter: After falling behind 6-0, SIU took the lead for good on a 3-yard Lem Wash rushing touchdown.
0:19, 2nd quarter: RB Eddie Robinson caught a 6-yard TD pass from Williams to give SIU a 29-6 halftime lead.
5:01, 4th quarter: Schofield hit his fourth field goal – from 36 yards – to give SIU 46 unanswered points.
What it means
The Salukis are 3-1 since a season-opening loss at West Florida as a big matchup looms next weekend against Youngstown State in Carbondale.
Standout Salukis
Prairie State Pigskin chooses the top three Southern Illinois players in the game:
Markell Quick, WR: The transfer from Chattanooga powered the passing game with four catches for 145 yards and a TD.
Schofield, K: The SIU kicker, who started his first game last week, was 4-for-4 on field goals.
Vargas, DB: The senior from Florida intercepted a pass in his third game in a row.
What’s next?
SIU plays only its second home game this season when the Salukis host Youngstown State for a 4 p.m. kickoff Oct. 3.
Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and a 19-year veteran of three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.
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