Southern Illinois University
6-4 , 4-2
Missouri St.
1-8 , 1-5
Big first half pushes Saluki Football past Missouri State, 37-14
11/09/2019 | 4:51:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. — For the first time in 10 years, Southern Illinois has a four-game winning streak, and after overwhelming Missouri State, 37-14, on Saturday, SIU head coach Nick Hill said his team won't change its approach one bit as it prepares for a critical game at Western Illinois this week.
With two games left in the season, the Salukis (6-4, 4-2) find themselves on the cusp of earning the program's first playoff berth since 2009.
"They've bought-in to the approach that you should approach every week, every practice, like you're 2-4," Hill explained. "If we don't win this week, nobody's talking about us. There's just a standard to go about each game. It's not going to change.
By halftime, Southern left no doubt it was the superior team in the matchup versus the Bears (1-8, 1-5), rolling up 395 total yards en route to a 30-0 lead.
The only difference between this week and the previous three wins was that SIU used the passing game to set up the run, instead of first establishing its punishing run game.
The Salukis had great field position on their first drive at the MSU 28 after Luke Giegling blocked a punt. Quarterback Karé Lyles then threw a pair of lasers to Landon Lenoir for 14 yards apiece, the second one resulting in a touchdown. Lyles went on to complete 18-of-24 passes for 232 yards and four touchdowns.
"We came out and threw the ball early," Hill said. "When you have a lot of weapons, it's nice to put in game plans you feel like gives you the best chance to win. Karé's been playing well. We haven't asked him to do a ton, not because we don't think that he can. Tonight, he proved he's more than capable. There was a few times he stayed in the pocket and took a couple shots and delivered a few really nice balls."
Wide receiver Landon Lenoir had a career game with nine catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Avante Cox added five catches and a pair of TDs, as SIU stretched the Bears defense to the breaking point.
"Cox is a dynamic player and Landon has been dynamic and consistent since he's been here," Hill said.
Southern eventually turned to its running game and the power trio of Javon Williams Jr., Romeir Elliott and D.J. Davis delivered 229 yards combined on the ground.
Williams Jr. needed just 10 carries to pile up 113 yards out of the Wildcat formation. Today, his right arm was also a weapon, as he completed two passes, including a 34-yard touchdown to tight end Jacob Garret for Southern's second TD of the afternoon. Lenoir caught a 15 yard touchdown and Cox added a 34 yarder in the second quarter to blow the game open.
Although the Salukis surrendered a late touchdown, they held a 555-259 advantage in total yardage, limited the Bears to 66 rushing yards, and the defense continued its mastery of third downs, holding MSU to 5-of-15 conversions. Linebacker Cody Crider had four tackles for loss, Madre Harper recorded three pass breakups and Malik Haynes added his second sack of the season.
"I'm proud of our coaches and our team for coming out and executing a game plan and getting a win," Hill said. "Winning's tough. I'm proud of our team continuing to learn and get better and the commitment to the process just as much as Saturdays. Programs are built throughout the week."
Southern will go for its fifth-straight win next Saturday against Western Illinois at 1 p.m.
"It's a week-by-week approach," Lyles said. "That's the special thing about this group, there's just a focus."
Added Hill, "the game, as I've learned, is you can't make it bigger than it is. It's about executing the fundamentals."
Team Stats
MSU 0, SIU 6
SIU - Lenoir, Landon 14 yd pass from Lyles, Kare (Gualdoni, Nico kickfailed) 2 plays, 28 yards, TOP 0:30
MSU 0, SIU 13
SIU - Garrett, Jacob 34 yd pass from Williams Jr., J (Gualdoni, Nico kick) 5 plays, 83 yards, TOP 1:49
MSU 0, SIU 20
SIU - Lenoir, Landon 15 yd pass from Lyles, Kare (Gualdoni, Nico kick) 9 plays, 87 yards, TOP 3:28
MSU 0, SIU 27
SIU - Cox, Avante 34 yd pass from Lyles, Kare (Gualdoni, Nico kick) 8 plays, 80 yards, TOP 2:33
MSU 0, SIU 30
SIU - Gualdoni, Nico 24 yd field goal 11 plays, 73 yards, TOP 3:16
MSU 7, SIU 30
MSU - Lorenzo Thomas 10 yd pass from Peyton Huslig (Parker Lacina kick) 5 plays, 22 yards, TOP 2:52
MSU 7, SIU 37
SIU - Cox, Avante 13 yd pass from Lyles, Kare (Gualdoni, Nico kick) 9 plays, 91 yards, TOP 5:12
MSU 14, SIU 37
MSU - Jordan Murray 7 yd pass from Peyton Huslig (Parker Lacina kick) 10 plays, 58 yards, TOP 4:10
