Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Southeast Missouri
SE Missouri Rallies in Second Half to Defeat SIU
03/19/2001 | 12:00:00 | Football
September 9, 2000
Southeast Missouri State scored 27 second-half points to overcome a 31-7 halftime deficit in winning its first game of the season, 34-33, over Southern Illinois Saturday at McAndrew Stadium.
The host Salukis had things their way in the first half of play when they rolled to a 31-0 lead before the Indians scored for the first time with 5:15 remaining to make it 31-7 at the intermission.
The second half was a complete reversal of form, however, as Southeast Missouri outscored SIU 27-2 on a pair of touchdown passes, a 66-yard punt return, and a short run.
The game-winning score was a 63-yard pass play from reserve quarterback Bobby Brune to Leslie Weaver and came with just 1:16 remaining in the game.
The Salukis doubled SEMO's offensive game in the first half, gaining 247 yards to 124.
Sophomore running back Tom Koutsos scored on runs of 8, 12, and 57 yards to put the Salukis up by 21 before Scott Everhart, who had converted three point-after attempts, added a 32-yard field goal.
Sherard Poteete connected with Mark Shasteen on a 27-yard pass play to make it 31-0 with 6:54 remaining in the second quarter.
Other than a two-point safety gained in the second half, however, SIU's scoring was over for the game as they gained only 95 yards in the second half while the Indians were taking over with 1144 yards.
Koutsos had 189 yards rushing for the Salukis while Poteete passed for 124 on 10-of-21.
Brune, who did not see action until the second half of the game, completed 16-of-25 attempts for 230 yards and two touchdowns. The win allowed Southeast Missouri to even its season's record at 1-1 while SIU dropped to 0-2.
