Saturday, November 8
Youngstown, OH
1 PM (CT)
Southern Illinois University
at
Youngstown State
No. 15/16 Southern Illinois Set to Battle No. 21/22 Youngstown State in Ohio on Saturday
11/05/2025 | 11:45:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The No. 15/16 Southern Illinois University football team (6-3, 3-2 MVFC) is set for a road test on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT when it travels to No. 21/22 Youngstown State.
Game Details
- Date and Time:Â Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. CT
- Location:Â Stambaugh Stadium - Youngstown, Ohio
- Opponent: No. 21/22 Youngstown State - Missouri Valley Football Conference
- Live Stats:Â Follow Along Here
- Watch:Â ESPN+
- Listen: The Varsity Network or Listen Locally on 101.5 CIL-FM
Recap of Murray State
Southern Illinois battled the elements in its last game on Saturday at Murray State, defeating the Racers, 27-7, on a rainy night in Kentucky. The seven points are the fewest SIU has allowed in a game since allowing three vs. Thomas More in the season-opener. They are also the fewest Southern has allowed in a conference game since shutting out Murray State, 62-0, on Nov. 23, 2024.
The Salukis rushed for 233 yards against the Racers, their second-straight game with at least 230 rushing yards. Running back Edward Robinson led the way with 109 yards on the ground, the second-most he has had in a game in his career. Quarterback DJ Williams posted 90 rushing yards with two scores on the ground, his fourth game this season with multiple rushing touchdowns.
Southern was dominant defensively, forcing three turnovers in a game for the second time in 2025. This was also SIU's fourth game forcing multiple turnovers and first since Sept. 20 at SEMO.
Safety Cejai Parson had a career day, recording the first two interceptions of his Saluki career in the win. The third turnover was a fumble forced by Jake Parrella and recovered by Caden Reeves in the fourth quarter.
Along with the 90 rushing yards, Williams also passed for 171 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. The lone passing touchdown was a 40-yarder to running back Lem Wash in the fourth. This was the first receiving touchdown of Wash's collegiate career and his first overall since Week 1 vs. Thomas More.
Series History
The Salukis are 14-20-1 all-time vs. the Penguins and are 6-12 while playing in Youngstown. Southern Illinois is searching for its first win at Youngstown State since March 6, 2021, when it defeated YSU, 30-22.
In their last meeting on Nov. 9, 2024, the Salukis completed the largest comeback in program history, overcoming a 28-point deficit to win by a final score of 37-33. Quarterback Jake Curry passed for 322 yards and three touchdowns in the resilient win.
SIU is 4-6 in the last 10 meetings dating back to 2015. Since 2000, Southern Illinois holds a record of 12-13 against the Penguins.
The first-ever game between the Salukis and Penguins came in 1965, which YSU won by a final score of 9-7. The lone tie between the two programs came the following year in 1966 (21-21).
Looking at the Penguins
Youngstown State heads into Saturday's contest with a record of 5-4 overall and 2-3 in MVFC play. In their last game, the Penguins suffered a narrow, 38-30, defeat at No. 1 North Dakota State in Fargo, N.D. This was the lowest margin-of-victory the Bison have had in a game this season.
The Penguins have scored at least 38 points in three consecutive games and are tied for 22nd in the country in scoring offense, averaging 33.7 points-per-game.
Quarterback Beau Brungard has been one of the nation's best, passing for 2082 yards and 14 touchdowns with three interceptions while also rushing for 1041 yards and 16 touchdowns, the second-most in the FCS. Brungard is also second in the nation in total points scored (102) and in total offense (347.0 yards-per-game).
Cejai Parson's Big Night in Murray
Veteran safety Cejai Parson, who missed SIU's previous game on Oct. 25 vs. Northern Iowa due to injury, made a triumphant return to the lineup on Saturday night at Murray State. Parson recorded the first two interceptions of his career in the win to go along with four tackles.
Parson is the first Saluki in four years to tally two interceptions in the same game. The last time an SIU player accomplished this feat was on Nov. 27, 2021, when safety Qua Brown had two at South Dakota.
SIU's Rushing Attack Continues to RollÂ
Only North Dakota State and North Dakota are averaging more rushing yards-per-game than SIU (207.4) among Valley schools. Southern is the nation's 12th-ranked rushing offense and has rushed for 200+ yards in five games this season. SIU is 5-0 when reaching this mark.
This is the first time SIU has rushed for 200+ yards in five of its first nine games since the 2019 campaign. The 2019 Salukis finished with eight such games and closed out the season with five consecutive 200-yard rushing performances.
Running back Edward Robinson has taken on a larger role for the Salukis in recent weeks. Robinson, who had eclipsed 25 yards once in the first seven weeks (124 vs. Indiana State on Oct. 4), has totaled 195 yards on 27 carries over his last two appearances. The sophomore's 109 yards marked the second game in his career with over 100 yards.
DJ Williams Moving Up in Record Book
Senior quarterback DJ Williams rushed for two touchdowns in his return to Murray State, giving him 13 on the year. This ranks second among all quarterbacks in the FCS and are the most by a Saluki since 2019 (Javon Williams, 17). DJ Williams' 13 rushing scores are the 11th-most in a single season in program history and are one shy of tying Arkee Whitlock ('05) and Tom Koutsos ('03) for the ninth-most all-time.
Williams' 569 rushing yards are the third-most by an SIU quarterback in a season. The senior is 19 yards away from tying Paul McIntosh ('09, 588) for second. The single-season record is held by Mark Iannotti ('15) who rushed for 716 yards one decade ago.
Across the FCS, Williams is tied for third in the country in points responsible for (168), sixth in total offense (averaging 288.0 yards-per-game), 17th in passing yards (2023), and is tied for fifth in rushing touchdowns (13).
Lem Wash Finds the Endzone for First Time Since Week One
Lem Wash scored his second touchdown of the season on Saturday at Murray State, getting free behind the Racers' secondary in the fourth quarter for a 40-yard reception. This was the first receiving touchdown of Wash's collegiate career and his first overall since Week 1 against Thomas More.
Wash, who stepped away from the game of football in 2024, is in his first season as a Saluki after spending three years as a backup quarterback at Tennessee Tech and South Dakota. The Wichita, Kan., native made the transition to running back ahead of his first season in Carbondale and reunited with younger brother Miles.
Jeremiah McClendon Among Nation's Best at Cornerback
In his second season as a Saluki, senior cornerback Jeremiah McClendon has become one of the nation's top defensive backs. McClendon has recorded 38 tackles, 11 pass breakups, one sack, and one interception.
The interception, which came vs. UNI, was the corner's first interception since Oct. 5, 2024, vs. Illinois State and the third of his career (had one in 2022 as a member of Charleston Southern).
McClendon's 11 pass breakups are a career-high and are currently tied for the third-most in the country. The last time a Saluki reached 11 pass breakups was in 2023 (PJ Jules, 11). The last time a Saluki surpassed this mark was in 2020 (James Ceasar, 14).
Other Defensive Numbers to Note Â
After limiting Murray State to 122 passing yards, Southern Illinois is now allowing 180.3 yards-per-game through the air, which ranks second in the MVFC. SIU has held four of its last five opponents below 130 passing yards, with the exception being at No. 1 North Dakota State on Oct. 11.
The Salukis have now gained 15 turnovers on the year after forcing three against the Racers. This is tied for 15th in the country, while the team's nine interceptions are tied for 14th. Both of Southern's starting safeties, Cejai Parson and Vinny Pierre Jr., have registered a team-leading two interceptions so far in 2025.
Senior linebacker Colin Bohanek's 59 tackles are the most on the Saluki roster, followed by Pierre and linebacker Shug Walker's 55. Defensive end Donnie Wingate's 6.0 tackles-for-loss are a team-high, while his 4.0 sacks are tied for the team-lead with fellow defensive end Vontrell Chairse. The SIU duo is tied for third in the conference in the category.
Where the Dawgs are Ranked
Southern Illinois moved up one spot to No. 15 in the latest Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll after previously ranking No. 16 over the last two weeks. North Dakota State is ranked No. 1 after improving to 9-0 with its win over Youngstown State last week.
The Salukis also moved up one spot in the latest AFCA FCS Coaches Poll, going from No. 17 to No. 16. North Dakota State remains No. 1 with 25 first-place votes, while South Dakota State moved down to No. 9 from the No. 5 spot.
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.
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Game Details
- Date and Time:Â Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. CT
- Location:Â Stambaugh Stadium - Youngstown, Ohio
- Opponent: No. 21/22 Youngstown State - Missouri Valley Football Conference
- Live Stats:Â Follow Along Here
- Watch:Â ESPN+
- Listen: The Varsity Network or Listen Locally on 101.5 CIL-FM
Recap of Murray State
Southern Illinois battled the elements in its last game on Saturday at Murray State, defeating the Racers, 27-7, on a rainy night in Kentucky. The seven points are the fewest SIU has allowed in a game since allowing three vs. Thomas More in the season-opener. They are also the fewest Southern has allowed in a conference game since shutting out Murray State, 62-0, on Nov. 23, 2024.
The Salukis rushed for 233 yards against the Racers, their second-straight game with at least 230 rushing yards. Running back Edward Robinson led the way with 109 yards on the ground, the second-most he has had in a game in his career. Quarterback DJ Williams posted 90 rushing yards with two scores on the ground, his fourth game this season with multiple rushing touchdowns.
Southern was dominant defensively, forcing three turnovers in a game for the second time in 2025. This was also SIU's fourth game forcing multiple turnovers and first since Sept. 20 at SEMO.
Safety Cejai Parson had a career day, recording the first two interceptions of his Saluki career in the win. The third turnover was a fumble forced by Jake Parrella and recovered by Caden Reeves in the fourth quarter.
Along with the 90 rushing yards, Williams also passed for 171 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. The lone passing touchdown was a 40-yarder to running back Lem Wash in the fourth. This was the first receiving touchdown of Wash's collegiate career and his first overall since Week 1 vs. Thomas More.
Series History
The Salukis are 14-20-1 all-time vs. the Penguins and are 6-12 while playing in Youngstown. Southern Illinois is searching for its first win at Youngstown State since March 6, 2021, when it defeated YSU, 30-22.
In their last meeting on Nov. 9, 2024, the Salukis completed the largest comeback in program history, overcoming a 28-point deficit to win by a final score of 37-33. Quarterback Jake Curry passed for 322 yards and three touchdowns in the resilient win.
SIU is 4-6 in the last 10 meetings dating back to 2015. Since 2000, Southern Illinois holds a record of 12-13 against the Penguins.
The first-ever game between the Salukis and Penguins came in 1965, which YSU won by a final score of 9-7. The lone tie between the two programs came the following year in 1966 (21-21).
Looking at the Penguins
Youngstown State heads into Saturday's contest with a record of 5-4 overall and 2-3 in MVFC play. In their last game, the Penguins suffered a narrow, 38-30, defeat at No. 1 North Dakota State in Fargo, N.D. This was the lowest margin-of-victory the Bison have had in a game this season.
The Penguins have scored at least 38 points in three consecutive games and are tied for 22nd in the country in scoring offense, averaging 33.7 points-per-game.
Quarterback Beau Brungard has been one of the nation's best, passing for 2082 yards and 14 touchdowns with three interceptions while also rushing for 1041 yards and 16 touchdowns, the second-most in the FCS. Brungard is also second in the nation in total points scored (102) and in total offense (347.0 yards-per-game).
Cejai Parson's Big Night in Murray
Veteran safety Cejai Parson, who missed SIU's previous game on Oct. 25 vs. Northern Iowa due to injury, made a triumphant return to the lineup on Saturday night at Murray State. Parson recorded the first two interceptions of his career in the win to go along with four tackles.
Parson is the first Saluki in four years to tally two interceptions in the same game. The last time an SIU player accomplished this feat was on Nov. 27, 2021, when safety Qua Brown had two at South Dakota.
SIU's Rushing Attack Continues to RollÂ
Only North Dakota State and North Dakota are averaging more rushing yards-per-game than SIU (207.4) among Valley schools. Southern is the nation's 12th-ranked rushing offense and has rushed for 200+ yards in five games this season. SIU is 5-0 when reaching this mark.
This is the first time SIU has rushed for 200+ yards in five of its first nine games since the 2019 campaign. The 2019 Salukis finished with eight such games and closed out the season with five consecutive 200-yard rushing performances.
Running back Edward Robinson has taken on a larger role for the Salukis in recent weeks. Robinson, who had eclipsed 25 yards once in the first seven weeks (124 vs. Indiana State on Oct. 4), has totaled 195 yards on 27 carries over his last two appearances. The sophomore's 109 yards marked the second game in his career with over 100 yards.
DJ Williams Moving Up in Record Book
Senior quarterback DJ Williams rushed for two touchdowns in his return to Murray State, giving him 13 on the year. This ranks second among all quarterbacks in the FCS and are the most by a Saluki since 2019 (Javon Williams, 17). DJ Williams' 13 rushing scores are the 11th-most in a single season in program history and are one shy of tying Arkee Whitlock ('05) and Tom Koutsos ('03) for the ninth-most all-time.
Williams' 569 rushing yards are the third-most by an SIU quarterback in a season. The senior is 19 yards away from tying Paul McIntosh ('09, 588) for second. The single-season record is held by Mark Iannotti ('15) who rushed for 716 yards one decade ago.
Across the FCS, Williams is tied for third in the country in points responsible for (168), sixth in total offense (averaging 288.0 yards-per-game), 17th in passing yards (2023), and is tied for fifth in rushing touchdowns (13).
Lem Wash Finds the Endzone for First Time Since Week One
Lem Wash scored his second touchdown of the season on Saturday at Murray State, getting free behind the Racers' secondary in the fourth quarter for a 40-yard reception. This was the first receiving touchdown of Wash's collegiate career and his first overall since Week 1 against Thomas More.
Wash, who stepped away from the game of football in 2024, is in his first season as a Saluki after spending three years as a backup quarterback at Tennessee Tech and South Dakota. The Wichita, Kan., native made the transition to running back ahead of his first season in Carbondale and reunited with younger brother Miles.
Jeremiah McClendon Among Nation's Best at Cornerback
In his second season as a Saluki, senior cornerback Jeremiah McClendon has become one of the nation's top defensive backs. McClendon has recorded 38 tackles, 11 pass breakups, one sack, and one interception.
The interception, which came vs. UNI, was the corner's first interception since Oct. 5, 2024, vs. Illinois State and the third of his career (had one in 2022 as a member of Charleston Southern).
McClendon's 11 pass breakups are a career-high and are currently tied for the third-most in the country. The last time a Saluki reached 11 pass breakups was in 2023 (PJ Jules, 11). The last time a Saluki surpassed this mark was in 2020 (James Ceasar, 14).
Other Defensive Numbers to Note Â
After limiting Murray State to 122 passing yards, Southern Illinois is now allowing 180.3 yards-per-game through the air, which ranks second in the MVFC. SIU has held four of its last five opponents below 130 passing yards, with the exception being at No. 1 North Dakota State on Oct. 11.
The Salukis have now gained 15 turnovers on the year after forcing three against the Racers. This is tied for 15th in the country, while the team's nine interceptions are tied for 14th. Both of Southern's starting safeties, Cejai Parson and Vinny Pierre Jr., have registered a team-leading two interceptions so far in 2025.
Senior linebacker Colin Bohanek's 59 tackles are the most on the Saluki roster, followed by Pierre and linebacker Shug Walker's 55. Defensive end Donnie Wingate's 6.0 tackles-for-loss are a team-high, while his 4.0 sacks are tied for the team-lead with fellow defensive end Vontrell Chairse. The SIU duo is tied for third in the conference in the category.
Where the Dawgs are Ranked
Southern Illinois moved up one spot to No. 15 in the latest Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll after previously ranking No. 16 over the last two weeks. North Dakota State is ranked No. 1 after improving to 9-0 with its win over Youngstown State last week.
The Salukis also moved up one spot in the latest AFCA FCS Coaches Poll, going from No. 17 to No. 16. North Dakota State remains No. 1 with 25 first-place votes, while South Dakota State moved down to No. 9 from the No. 5 spot.
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.
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