Southern Illinois University
UT Martin
Preview | No. 14/17 Football Continues Road Swing with Trip to UT Martin on Saturday
09/10/2025 | 12:55:00 | Football
Game Details
- Date and Time:Â Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. CT
- Location:Â Hardy M. Graham Stadium -Â Martin, Tenn.
- Opponent:Â UT Martin - Ohio Valley Conference
- Live Stats:Â Follow Along Here
- Watch: ESPN+
- Listen:Â The Varsity Network
Recap of Purdue
The Salukis fell, 34-17, to Purdue in their last game on Saturday. Southern found the end zone on each of its opening two drives, but didn't score again until the fourth quarter via a field goal.
Southern Illinois played in front of its fifth-largest crowd in program history last Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind., as Purdue had an attendance of 54,663. This was the eighth time where SIU has played in a game with a crowd of at least 50,000.Â
Against the Boilermakers, Southern totaled 283 yards on offense with 202 passing and 81 rushing. For the second-straight game, SIU did not commit a turnover while it forced one via a Vinny Pierre Jr. interception in the third quarter.
The Salukis' first touchdown came off of a DJ Williams seven-yard run, which was followed up by Williams connecting with tight end Ryan Schwendeman one drive later. Paul Geelen drilled a career-long 53 yard field goal in the fourth quarter for SIU's final points of the game.
Winning the Turnover Battle
The Salukis have been among the best teams in the nation in terms of turnover margin, ranking second in the FCS at 3.00. SIU has forced six turnovers through the opening two weeks and has lost zero.
SIU is one of eight teams in the country without a turnover so far in 2025. Youngstown State is the only other team in the MVFC to also be without a turnover.Â
Southern's six turnovers gained are tied for fourth in the FCS with Dayton and Northern Colorado. The Salukis have recovered three fumbles and recorded three interceptions.
Strong Start on Defense
Through the opening two games, the Southern Illinois defense, led by first-year defensive coordinator Lee Pronschinske, has been one of the top units in both the Valley and the FCS. The Salukis are fourth in the conference and tied with Rhode Island for 23rd in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 18.5 points-per-game.
Southern is also fourth in the MVFC and 17th in the FCS in total defense. SIU has allowed an average of 282.5 yards-per-game so far in 2025.Â
The Salukis are 22nd in passing yards allowed (150.5) and are 41st in rushing (132.0).
DJ Williams' Hot Start to 2025
After playing in just three games in 2024 due to injury, senior quarterback DJ Williams has been one of the best in the MVFC to start the season. Williams has thrown for 429 yards and four touchdowns on a completion percentage of 66.7%, leading to a rating of 153.05.
The dual-threat quarterback has gotten it done on the ground as well. Through two games, Williams has ran for two touchdowns, with his most recent one being a seven-yard run for the opening score at Purdue.
Williams has led the Saluki offense to being ranked 32nd in the FCS in passing, averaging 220.0 yards-per-game through the air.Â
Southern's signal caller is tied for 32nd in the country in total offense, averaging 233.0 total yards-per-game, and is tied for ninth in points responsible for at 36.
Andrew Behm's Big Performance at Purdue
Veteran linebacker Andrew Behm recorded 16 tackles against Purdue last Saturday. This is tied for 21st in program history for a single game.
Behm played in six games in 2024, missing the rest due to injury. Now fully healthy, the senior from Appleton, Wis., is tied for 13th in the FCS in total tackles with 22 on the year.
Where the Dawgs are Ranked Â
Southern Illinois is now ranked No. 17 in the latest Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll after previously being ranked at No. 14 last week. North Dakota State and South Dakota State remained in the top two spots respectively as both have started the year 2-0.
SIU is one of six Valley teams to be ranked in the poll.
After moving up from No. 20 to No. 15 last week, Southern Illinois has again climbed in the most recent AFCA FCS Coaches Poll as it is now No. 14. Similar to the Stats Perform Poll, North Dakota State and South Dakota State sit in the top two spots.
Series History
The Salukis and Skyhawks will meet for the 10th time in program history on Saturday in Martin, Tenn. SIU holds an 8-1 advantage over UT Martin and currently sits on a four-game winning streak. Southern's last loss vs. UT Martin was in 1994 (35-26).
Southern Illinois won the most recent meeting, 28-14, on Sept. 14, 2019, in Carbondale. The Salukis ran for a total of 264 yards against the Skyhawks in the victory.
This will be the first meeting in Martin, Tenn., since Sept. 12, 1998; a game the Salukis won by a final score of 36-7.Â
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.
