Carbondale Reporter

Indiana State overcame a significant deficit to defeat Southern Illinois 20-17 on Saturday. The Sycamores capitalized on three turnovers by the Salukis in the second half, which contributed to their victory.

Southern Illinois dominated the second quarter, scoring all 17 points and gaining a total of 169 yards compared to Indiana State's 49 yards. Backup quarterback Michael Lindauer initiated the scoring with a one-yard touchdown pass to Keontez Lewis. Starting quarterback Jake Curry followed up with an 80-yard drive culminating in his own 24-yard touchdown run. A late interception by linebacker Ben Bogle set up a field goal by Paul Geelen, closing the first half.

Despite their strong start, Southern Illinois struggled after halftime. Curry threw an interception returned for a touchdown by Geoffrey Brown during SIU's opening drive of the second half. Lindauer then fumbled near the end zone, allowing Indiana State to march downfield for another score.

SIU head coach Nick Hill noted the shift in momentum: "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."

A controversial play occurred when SIU defensive end Jamond Mathis appeared to strip the ball from Shen Butler-Lawson and score; however, officials ruled forward progress had stopped before Mathis gained possession.

Hill expressed frustration: "It's hard to get an explanation during the game," he said. "They called him down, forward progress. It's unfortunate, but you have to find a way to respond."

In the fourth quarter, Wiltrell Hartson lost possession while fighting for extra yardage on a critical play, leading directly to Indiana State's winning touchdown—a 28-yard run by Elijah Owens on fourth-and-two.

The Salukis attempted one final drive but were unable to recover after Curry was sacked for a significant loss.

Curry completed 18-of-28 passes for 171 yards despite drops from receivers Nah'Shawn Hezekiah and Lewis that could have resulted in touchdowns.

"Not much I can explain — Jake put the ball out there," Hill stated regarding these missed opportunities. "I love those guys — Hezzy and K-Lew are talented wide receivers and they know they gotta catch the football."

With this loss likely ending playoff hopes for Southern Illinois' season with four games left, Hill emphasized resilience: "We're all gutted," he said. "This is our livelihood... we'll respond."