Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University quarterback Jake Curry has been honored as the Stats Perform FCS National Freshman of the Week and the Missouri Valley Football Conference Newcomer of the Week. Curry, a true freshman, played a pivotal role in SIU's historic comeback victory against Youngstown State on Saturday, rallying from a 28-0 deficit to secure a 37-33 win. This marked the largest comeback in school history and tied for the largest in conference history.

Curry completed 19 of 26 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns while also leading his team in rushing with ten carries for 78 yards and one touchdown. In the final minutes of the game, he threw two crucial touchdown passes: an 18-yard fade route to tight end Colton Hoag and a decisive 20-yard pass to Bradley Clark with just over a minute remaining.

The Salukis are set to face No. 3 South Dakota State this Saturday, marking their seventh contest against ranked FCS teams this season. The past meetings between Southern Illinois and South Dakota State have been closely contested, often decided by narrow margins.

During last week's game against Youngstown State, Southern Illinois trailed significantly before closing the gap with their first touchdown late in the second quarter. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Allen Middleton Jr. recorded seven catches for 102 yards and one touchdown, while Bradley Clark caught his first TD at Southern — notably, it was also the game-winner.

Jake Curry has emerged as a key player for SIU after injuries sidelined quarterbacks DJ Williams and Hunter Simmons earlier in the season. This year marks a rare occurrence where SIU started a true freshman at quarterback since Brendon Prenger did so back in November 1989.

The Salukis have faced challenging competition throughout their season, deemed by WarrenNolan.com as having played "the toughest schedule in the nation." Additionally, linebacker Ben Bogle leads both his league and ranks nationally with notable tackles-for-loss statistics.

SIU's defense is bolstered by standout players such as safety Ubayd Steed who has accumulated numerous tackles along with forced fumbles and pass breakups this season. On offense, wide receiver Keontez Lewis remains among top performers despite playing through injury; he ranks highly within MVFC receiving yard statistics.