Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University is set to host North Dakota State for a Homecoming football game on Saturday at Saluki Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+. This matchup marks the first time in 35 years that Southern Illinois will start a true freshman at quarterback, with Jake Curry stepping into the role.

Curry, from Edwardsville, Illinois, entered last week's game against Illinois State as a substitute for injured starter Hunter Simmons. In his performance, Curry completed eight out of 19 passes for 133 yards and threw two interceptions. During his high school career at Edwardsville High School, he was recognized as a Class 8A First-Team All-State player in 2023.

Hunter Simmons had been the starting quarterback for the past three games after replacing DJ Williams, who underwent surgery following an injury sustained during a win over Incarnate Word on September 14.

The Salukis' Homecoming event will also honor their 2024 Hall of Fame class during the first quarter of the game. The inductees include Jorge Delgado (Swimming), Korey Lindsey (Football), Rick Murray (Baseball), Rishonda Napier (Women's Basketball), Sally Perkins (Athletic Trainer), and Rick Walker (Swimming & Diving Coach).

Additionally, fans attending the game can receive men's basketball schedule posters and autographs from team members between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. near Saluki Stadium's south entrance.

Southern Illinois has historically struggled against North Dakota State, holding a record of four wins and twelve losses overall against them. However, one notable victory came in 2020 when Southern ended North Dakota State's impressive 39-game winning streak.

The current season presents challenges for Southern Illinois as they face five consecutive ranked FCS opponents—a situation only previously encountered twice in school history. So far this season, Southern has faced what is considered the third-toughest schedule in FCS play.

Wide receiver Keontez Lewis stands out by leading both the Missouri Valley Football Conference and ranking third nationally in receiving yards with a total of 575 yards this season. Linebacker Ben Bogle also excels nationally by ranking second with tackles for loss and thirteenth in sacks.

In their recent match against Illinois State, despite gaining more yardage than their opponent (487-407), Southern Illinois struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities within striking distance.

For the first time since late 2022, Southern Illinois is not featured in national rankings after being consistently ranked throughout all polls released last year until early this season.

Finally noteworthy are three former Salukis currently active within NFL rosters—Jeremy Chinn playing safety for Washington; MyCole Pruitt serving as tight end with Pittsburgh; PJ Jules positioned within Cincinnati's practice squad—as they continue contributing at professional levels beyond collegiate careers established at SIU.