Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University football team, ranked No. 8/9, ended its three-game winning streak with a 45-17 loss to top-ranked North Dakota State on Saturday in Fargo. The Salukis are now 4-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

Turnovers played a significant role in the outcome. SIU lost two fumbles and threw one interception, with both fumbles occurring inside North Dakota State territory. "Those [turnovers] were crucial," head coach Nick Hill said. "The turnover right before half with a chance to go take the lead. Took some time off the clock, they weren't going to have much time left. That middle eight proved to be the difference."

North Dakota State outgained Southern Illinois by more than 200 yards, finishing with 540 total yards compared to SIU's 313. The Bison scored five of their six touchdowns on the ground.

Southern Illinois took an early lead following a drive that ended with Paul Geelen kicking a 35-yard field goal. North Dakota State responded immediately as wide receiver Bryce Lance ran for a 75-yard touchdown on their first offensive play.

After exchanging punts, SIU regained the lead when Chandler Chapman scored his fourth rushing touchdown of the season and third in two games. North Dakota State tied the game at 10 after converting a field goal.

A key moment came late in the second quarter when quarterback DJ Williams fumbled deep in Bison territory during a long SIU drive. North Dakota State capitalized quickly with Cole Payton throwing a touchdown pass to Lance, giving NDSU a halftime lead of 17-10.

The Bison opened the second half by extending their lead through another rushing score from Payton. Despite moving into scoring position again, Southern Illinois turned over the ball on another fumble after Williams connected with Vinson Davis III for a big gain.

North Dakota State increased its advantage with additional touchdowns, including another rushing score from Payton. Williams later added his own rushing touchdown for SIU—his tenth this season—but it was not enough to close the gap.

Williams finished with 190 passing yards (15-of-29) and added 41 yards and one touchdown on the ground. Chapman had nine carries for 31 yards and one score. Jay Jones and Fabian McCray each recorded 52 receiving yards.

On defense, Vontrell Chairse logged his third sack of the year—his third straight game with a sack—and safety Jagger Williams led SIU with eight tackles.

SIU returns home for back-to-back games starting October 18 against No. 12/13 North Dakota in its Blackout Cancer Game, followed by Northern Iowa on October 25 during Homecoming.

For updates on Saluki football, fans can follow @SIU_Football on Twitter or Instagram, visit Facebook.com/SalukiFootball, or download the “Salukis” Mobile App via App Store or Google Play Store.