Football delivers record-breaking performance in 30-7 win over Western Illinois

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Sep 20

6 PM

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Southeast Missouri State

Cape Girardeau, MO

Oct 4

6 PM

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Indiana State

Carbondale, IL

Oct 11

2:30 PM

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#1/#1 North Dakota State

Fargo, ND

Oct 18

2 PM

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#17/#16 North Dakota

Carbondale, IL

Oct 25

2 PM

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Carbondale, IL

Nov 1

4 PM

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Murray State

Murray, KY

Nov 8

1 PM (CT)

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#24/RV Youngstown State

Youngstown, OH

Nov 15

12 PM

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#21/#15 South Dakota

Carbondale, IL

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Quarterback Nic Baker set a school completion percentage record, connecting on 25-of-28 passes, as Southern Illinois cruised to a 30-7 win over Western Illinois in front of a big Homecoming crowd at Saluki Stadium on Saturday. Baker completed his first 15 passes in the game, which set a school record for consecutive completions to start a game and tied the overall school record.

SIU running back Javon Williams Jr. scored all four of Southern's touchdowns, plunging across the goal line on runs from 6, 3, 1 and 5 yards out.

The Salukis (5-2, 4-0) won their fifth-straight game and remain tied atop the Missouri Valley Football Conference standings with South Dakota State, which upset No. 1-ranked North Dakota State today. Ranked No. 16 in the nation, Southern is chasing its first conference title since 2009.

"I do like the mentality of our guys," said SIU head coach Nick Hill. "When they get in that locker room (after the game), it's not like they won the Super Bowl. It's a calm and excited demeanor. They like playing with each other and enjoy these things, but they don't get ahead of themselves."

The formula for Southern's success during the win streak has centered around the defense — specifically the run defense — which ranks among the best in the nation at No. 8 heading into the contest with Western. The Salukis were stingy again today, allowing just 33 yards on 19 rushing attempts, and 177 total yards.

"The defense played outstanding, really dominated their side of the ball," said Hill. "You just can't say enough about all levels of the defense."

No individual player had more than five tackles, but the defensive line generated three sacks, and cornerback David Miller had an interception that led to a Saluki touchdown.

"This game is the ultimate team-game," Hill explained. "Really, you play well because somebody else is doing their job."

Combined with Baker's pinpoint accuracy — he has thrown 120-consecutive passes without an interception — and you have a formula that's delivering consistent winning results.

"The maturity (Baker's) showing, just the QB knowledge of what it takes to play the position at a high level," said Hill, describing his quarterback's play.

Baker spread the ball around to a season-high 10-different receivers, connecting four times apiece with running back Ro Elliott and wide receivers Bryce Miller and Avante Cox. Cox set a school record as well, catching at least one pass in 39-straight games, surpassing the mark set by Cornell Craig in 1999.

"They were giving us a little bit of cushion because they didn't want to get beat over the top, and we were taking it," explained Baker, who totaled 227 yards passing.

Williams Jr. continues to be a multi-purpose threat. In addition to his four rushing touchdowns, which gives him 48 career TDs, he completed a 37-yard pass to Elliott.

"Javon's a special talent," Hill said. "He accounts for a lot of our offense. It was nice to get in the red zone and (the defense) knows what we're doing and still run the ball in."

A different kind of record fell at the end of the first quarter, as fans throughout the stadium cracked open 7Up cans to set a record for 'Most people opening drink cans simultaneously'. A Guinness Book of World Records representative was on hand to verify the results, as more than 10,000 fans filled the stadium. A festive pregame atmosphere included a stadium flyover of two Air Force A-10 aircraft, flown by SIU alums Joshua Rose and Daniel Shriver.

After the game, Baker reflected on his own personal record.

"Just to see your name with other names that are recognized at this place, it's a big deal to me," he acknowledged. "We're building a lot of momentum — you can feel it in the building."

As soon as the game ended, Saluki Athletics announced a $10 ticket special for the next home game on Oct. 29 versus Northern Iowa. All sideline bleacher seats are available at the special rate.

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