Southern Illinois University
Indiana State
No. 10/11 Football Hosts Indiana State on Saturday for Family Weekend After Month Away from Home
10/01/2025 | 11:00:00 | Football
Fans are encouraged to bring their families out on Saturday as the Salukis face the Sycamores. Supporters can save 10% on tickets by purchasing them online, or by clicking here.
Game Details
- Date and Time:Â Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. CT
- Location: Saluki Stadium - Carbondale, Ill.
- Opponent:Â Indiana State - Missouri Valley Conference
- Live Stats:Â Follow Along Here
- Watch:Â ESPN+
- Listen:Â The Varsity Network
- Ticket Central: Buy tickets here
Series History
Southern Illinois leads, 31-29, in a series vs. Indiana State that dates back to 1944. The Salukis are 16-13 at home against the Sycamores and are 15-16 on the road.
In their last meeting on Oct. 26, 2024, the Sycamores defeated the Salukis, 20-17, in Terre Haute, Ind. Southern led, 17-0, at the end of the first half before it was out-scored, 20-0, in the second.
Southern Illinois was on a three-game winning streak vs. Indiana State prior to last season's loss. SIU has won four of the previous six meetings entering Saturday's game.
Recap of SEMO
Prior to the bye, the Salukis earned a dominant, 59-31, victory at SEMO on Saturday, Sept. 20. The 59 points were the most Southern Illinois has scored in a game since Nov. 23, 2024, when it defeated Murray State, 62-0. The point total also set a new program-record in the series vs. the Redhawks.
After leading, 14-7, at the end of the opening 15 minutes, SIU exploded for a 17-0 second quarter and then a 21-point third quarter to take a commanding, 52-24, lead into the fourth.
The Salukis totaled 612 yards of offense, their most in a game since tallying 644 against Youngstown State on Nov. 9, 2024. SIU's 342 passing yards were a season-high.
DJ Williams became the first quarterback in program history to surpass both 300 passing yards and 150 rushing yards in a single game in the win over SEMO. Williams went 18-for-25 passing with 342 yards and four touchdowns to go along with 151 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.
Vinson Davis III led the team in receiving with eight receptions, 185 yards, and two touchdowns. All were season highs for Saluki receivers in 2025.
Andrew Behm led the team with 13 tackles, followed by Chris Presto who had 12 to go along with a forced fumble and interception. Donnie Wingate's two sacks were a team-high.
Southern Dominates Week 4 Awards
After its win over SEMO, Southern Illinois took home three of the five Missouri Valley Football Conference weekly awards. DJ Williams was named the MVFC Offensive Player of the Week, while Chris Presto earned Defensive POTW and Derek Harden Jr. earned Offensive Lineman of the Week.
This was the second time Williams has received this honor as a Saluki. Southern's quarterback last earned OPOTW on Sept. 16, 2024, after SIU's win over Incarnate Word.
Both Presto and Harden's honors are the first of their careers. Presto was second on the team with 12 tackles while also registering an interception and forced fumble vs. the Redhawks.
Harden received a 94% grade at SEMO while also not allowing a sack. The veteran guard tallied three knockdowns in Week 4.
Williams Named Stats Perform FCS National OPOTW
Williams became the first Saluki since Nic Baker on Sept. 16, 2023, to be named the Stats Perform FCS National Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts against SEMO in Week 4.
Southern's signal caller accounted for 493 total yards of offense vs. the Redhawks, the third-most in a game in program history. Williams' 151 rushing yards are also the second-most an SIU quarterback has had in a single game.
Williams is third in the nation in both total offense (326.0) and points responsible for (96) entering Saturday's matchup against the Sycamores.
Clicking on Offense
Southern's offense ranks among the best in the country after its bye week. The Salukis are one of 10 teams in the FCS to be averaging 40+ points-per-game, ranking 10th at 40.5.
SIU is also 16th in total offense (442.8), 11th in passing efficiency (170.4), 12th in passing yards-per-completion (14.07), ninth in red zone offense (0.950), and third in third down conversion percentage (0.537).
The Salukis lead the MVFC in both third down conversion percentage and red zone offense.
Strong Numbers Across the Defense
No team in the Valley has been better than SIU in the turnover battle so far in 2025. Southern's 1.75 turnover margin leads the conference and ranks fourth in the FCS. The Salukis have gained a league-best 10 turnovers through four games, with five interceptions and five fumble recoveries.Â
Southern Illinois is first in the MVFC in both categories, with the interceptions also being tied for 12th in the nation and the fumble recoveries being tied for eighth.
The Salukis are also third in the Valley and 17th in the country in scoring defense, allowing 19.50 points-per-game.
Where the Dawgs are Ranked
For the first time this season, Southern Illinois has cracked the top 10 in the latest Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll. The Salukis are No. 10 after previously being ranked No. 11 last week.Â
The Salukis have also moved up in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll. Southern Illinois sits just outside the top 10 at No. 11 after being No. 12 last week.
Follow the Salukis
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Football, on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiFootball and on Instagram at @SIU_Football. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
