Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Football Game Notes for Youngstown State
03/19/2001 | 12:00:00 | Football
November 7, 2000
Not even the longest kickoff return . . . in Saluki history, another 100-yard rushing effort by sophomore running back Tom Koutsos and a fine overall effort on the part of the defensive unit could ease the disappointment of SIU's latest outing. Indiana State, winless in its first nine games this season, handed the Salukis a 23-22 loss before a crowd estimated at just 1,000 in McAndrew Stadium.
JerMarsh Robinson, a sophomore defensive back . . . with even greater skills as a return specialist, broke a 100-yard kickoff return to get the Salukis back into the game early in the third quarter after the visiting Sycamores had suddenly taken a 17-6 lead seconds earlier. It was the longest in SIU's history beating 98-yarders by Carver Shannon in 1958 and a similar return by Bob Hasberry in 1969. And, it wasn't a first-time-ever happening for the St. Louis product (Riverview Gardens H.S.) who already had the fifth longest in SIU's history with a 95-yarder against Southwest Missouri State a year ago.
The Salukis continued their strong second-half . . . comeback by scoring the next 10 points as well on a Scott Everhart field goal and a Sherard Poteete-to-Steron Davidson touchdown pass, but were unable to hang on to a 22-17 third-quarter lead. Indiana State, taking advantage of a Saluki turnover just when it appeared SIU was about to put the game away, marched 68 yards in seven plays to regain the lead at 23-22 and managed to make it stand up for the final 9:32 of the game.
Koutsos, although called on only four times . . . in the second half of play, finished with 101 net yards gained and continued his attack on SIU's all-time records as a result. Also a sophomore, Koutsos now has ten 100-plus rushing games to his credit and is just one behind second-place holders Amos Bullocks (1958-61) and Burnell Quinn (1976-79) each of whom enjoyed four full seasons with the Salukis.
Defensively the Salukis enjoyed one of their . . . finest overall performances in recent years as they limited the Sycamores to just 189 net yards, 166 rushing and a meager 23 passing as ISU completed just two of 13 attempts. Indiana State's total yardage was 79 fewer than any team has managed against the Salukis previously this season. What's more, one has to go back all the way to the third game of the 1990 season to find a better defense effort on the part of the Salukis. Murray State gained only 113 yards (32 rushing and 81 passing) while LOSING to SIU 45-7.
The next question is somewhat obvious . . . although the answer is not. When was the last time SIU allowed fewer than 189 net yards total offense AND LOST such as the Salukis did Saturday? The only answer we have after researching the point is that it has NOT been in the last 30 years.
The Salukis have to be somewhat pleased . . . this season with their defensive efforts which shows opponents are gaining only 288.8 yards per game as opposed to the 485.2 they claimed in 1999.
