Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
1-9 , 1-6
Western Kentucky
8-3 , 5-2
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Illinois | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Western Kentucky | 6 | 3 | 7 | 20 | 36 |
Football Falls to #12 Western Kentucky, 36-6
11/17/2001 | 12:00:00 | Football
Nov. 17, 2001
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Southern Illinois hung tough for three quarters against #12 Western Kentucky, but the Hilltoppers eventually wore down the Salukis and claimed a 36-6 win Saturday at L.T. Smith Stadium.
Western was able to control the game on the ground, rushing 59 times for 355 yards. But SIU trailed just 16-6 midway through the fourth quarter.
Donte Pimpleton opened the scoring for Western with a three-yard touchdown run with 2:12 left in the first quarter. The TD was set up by a 47-yard punt return by Joseph Jefferson that gave the Hilltoppers the ball at SIU's 9. The extra point was no good, making the score 6-0.
Following another short punt, Western took possession at the Saluki 37 and scored six plays later on a 37-yard field goal by Peter Martinez plays later, giving Western a 9-0 lead.
The score remained 9-0 until 5:41 left in the third quarter when Keith Brooks scored on a one-yard run, giving Western a 16-0 lead.
The Salukis countered with a 14-play, 91-yard touchdown drive, capped off by a 1-yard plunge by Tom Koutsos with 55 seconds left in the third quarter. It was SIU's longest drive of the season.
Trailing 16-6 with nine minutes left in the game, SIU had the ball 4th-and-10 at midfield and attempted a fake punt. However, Travis Madison was stopped five yards short of a first down and Western took possession. Two plays later, Keith Brooks broke free for a 43-yard TD run to make the score 22-6.
"We ran the fake punt because we didn't have anything to lose," Saluki head coach Jerry Kill said after the game. "I'd call it again in the same situation. If Travis keeps his feet, it's a big gain."
On the first play of SIU's next possession, Kevin Kobe was intercepted by Sherrod Coates, who returned the ball to the Saluki two, setting up a two-yard TD plunge by DeWayne Gallishaw, giving WKU a 29-6 lead.
On SIU's next possession, Kobe was intercepted by Bobby Sippio, who returned it 36 yards for a touchdown to make the score 36-6.
"The game was a lot closer than the score indicates," Kill said. "I saw some kids play harder today than they have all year. We're improving, no question about it."
The Salukis played without quarterback Madei Williams, who suffered a strained quadricep muscle last week against Southwest Missouri State. Kobe played the entire game at quarterback and was 7-of-18 passing for 84 yards. He was intercepted three times.
Koutsos continued his outstanding play, rushing 31 times for 117 yards. It was Koutsos 17th career 100-yard game, breaking the school record set by Karlton Carpenter.
"I thought Koutsos ran terrific," Kill said. "To get that many yards against this defensive football team, that's a heck of an accomplishment."
Southern Illinois (1-9, 1-6) wraps up the season next week at Baylor.
Team Stats
SIU 0, WKU 6
WKU - Donte Pimpleton 3 yd run (Peter Martinez kickfailed), 3 plays, 9 yards, TOP 1:33
SIU 0, WKU 9
WKU - Peter Martinez 37 yd field goal 6 plays, 17 yards, TOP 1:54
SIU 0, WKU 16
WKU - Keith Brooks 1 yd run (Peter Martinez kick), 9 plays, 45 yards, TOP 4:35
SIU 6, WKU 16
SIU - Tom Koutsos 1 yd run (Kevin Kobe passfailed), 14 plays, 91 yards, TOP 4:46
SIU 6, WKU 22
WKU - Keith Brooks 43 yd run (Peter Martinez kickblocked), 2 plays, 49 yards, TOP 0:44
SIU 6, WKU 29
WKU - D. Gallishaw 2 yd run (Peter Martinez kick), 1 plays, 2 yards, TOP 0:04
SIU 6, WKU 36
WKU - Bobby Sippio 36 yd interception (Peter Martinez kick)