Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University football team, currently ranked No. 14/15, will travel to West Lafayette, Indiana, this Saturday to face Purdue University in a non-conference matchup. The game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT at Ross–Ade Stadium and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.

Southern Illinois seeks its seventh all-time win over a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent. In recent seasons, the Salukis have found success against FBS teams, defeating Northern Illinois in September 2023 and Northwestern in September 2022. Last season, SIU fell to BYU but had previously secured consecutive wins against FBS competition.

In their season opener last week, Southern Illinois defeated Thomas More by a score of 49-3. The Salukis amassed 386 yards of total offense—238 passing and 148 rushing—and did not commit any turnovers. On defense, SIU forced five turnovers for the second straight game dating back to their final contest of the previous season.

Quarterback DJ Williams returned from injury with an efficient performance, completing 18 of 24 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns while also scoring once on the ground. "Williams' 75% completion percentage against the Saints was his highest mark as a Saluki, while his three passing touchdowns were tied for a career-high (reached this twice at Murray State). This was the senior quarterback's first three-touchdown game (passing) since Nov. 4, 2023, vs. North Dakota," according to the university.

Defensively, linebacker Andrew Behm led with six tackles after missing most of last season due to injury. Amir Dwight recorded two tackles-for-loss and one sack; Donnie Wingate added one-and-a-half tackles-for-loss and one sack as well.

Freshmen David Obadein and Cameron Cason each recorded interceptions in their collegiate debuts; Obadein returned his interception for a touchdown.

First-year defensive coordinator Lee Pronschinske guided the defense as they limited Thomas More to just three points and allowed only 60 rushing yards—the fewest given up by SIU since September of last year.

After opening week results, Southern Illinois climbed from No. 20 to No. 14 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll and from No. 20 to No. 15 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll.

Southern Illinois has faced Purdue only once before—in September 2014—when they lost by a score of 35-13 in West Lafayette.

Fans can follow updates about Southern Illinois football on Twitter (@SIU_Football), Facebook (Facebook.com/SalukiFootball), Instagram (@SIU_Football), or through the "Salukis" mobile app available on major platforms.