Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University football team, ranked No. 10/11 nationally, will return to Saluki Stadium for the first time since August 30. The Salukis (3-1) are set to host Indiana State on Saturday at 6 p.m. as part of Family Weekend.

Fans are encouraged to attend with their families and can receive a 10% discount on tickets when purchasing online.

Southern Illinois leads the all-time series against Indiana State, holding a 31-29 advantage in a rivalry that began in 1944. At home, the Salukis have won 16 out of 29 matchups against the Sycamores. In their most recent meeting on October 26, 2024, Indiana State overcame a halftime deficit to defeat SIU, 20-17.

Before last season’s loss, Southern Illinois had won three consecutive games against Indiana State and has taken four of the last six meetings.

In their previous game before a bye week, the Salukis secured a decisive win over Southeast Missouri State (SEMO), scoring 59 points—their highest output since November 23, 2024. SIU finished with 612 yards of total offense and quarterback DJ Williams made program history by surpassing both 300 passing yards and 150 rushing yards in one game. Williams completed 18 of his 25 passes for four touchdowns and rushed for two more scores.

Wide receiver Vinson Davis III recorded eight catches for 185 yards and two touchdowns—season highs among SIU receivers. On defense, Andrew Behm led with 13 tackles while Chris Presto added an interception and forced fumble along with his twelve tackles. Donnie Wingate registered two sacks.

Following this performance, Southern Illinois players received three out of five Missouri Valley Football Conference weekly awards: DJ Williams was named Offensive Player of the Week; Chris Presto earned Defensive Player of the Week; and Derek Harden Jr. was recognized as Offensive Lineman of the Week.

Williams also became the first Saluki since September 2023 to be named Stats Perform FCS National Offensive Player of the Week after accounting for a total of 493 yards against SEMO—the third-highest single-game mark in school history.

Statistically, Southern Illinois ranks among national leaders in several offensive categories following its bye week. The team is averaging over forty points per game and stands tenth nationally in scoring offense. They are also highly ranked in total offense, passing efficiency, red zone efficiency, and third down conversion rate.

Defensively, SIU leads its conference in turnover margin at +1.75 per game—fourth-best nationally—and has forced ten turnovers through four games. The team is also ranked seventeenth in scoring defense nationwide.

For the first time this season, Southern Illinois appears in the top ten of the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll at No.10 and is ranked No.11 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll after moving up from twelfth place last week.

The game will be available via live stats online as well as broadcasts on ESPN+ and The Varsity Network radio platform.

"Fans are encouraged to bring their families out on Saturday as the Salukis face the Sycamores."

Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Football, on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiFootball and on Instagram at @SIU_Football. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.