Southern Illinois University
Purdue
Preview | No. 14/15 Football Heads to Purdue on Saturday for Big Ten Clash
09/03/2025 | 2:00:00 | Football
Southern Illinois is looking for its seventh win all-time against an FBS opponent. Prior to falling at BYU last August, SIU had won back-to-back games against FBS opposition in 2023 and 2022. Southern defeated Northern Illinois, 14-11, on Sept. 9, 2023, and Northwestern, 31-24, on Sept. 17, 2022.Â
Game Details
- Date and Time:Â Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. CT
- Location: Ross–Ade Stadium - West Lafayette, Ind.
- Opponent:Â Purdue University - Big Ten Conference
- Live Stats:Â Follow Along Here
- Watch: Big Ten Network
- Listen:Â The Varsity Network
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Recap of the Season-Opener
Southern Illinois defeated Thomas More, 49-3, in its season-opener on Saturday. The 49 points are the most SIU has scored in its first game of a season since scoring 49 vs. Austin Peay on Sept. 2, 2023.Â
The Salukis totaled 386 yards on offense with 238 coming through the air and 148 on the ground. Southern did not commit a turnover while the defense forced five (three fumbles, two interceptions). Dating back to the final game of 2024 vs. Murray State, SIU has forced five turnovers in back-to-back games.
DJ Williams had a strong day in his return for SIU, going 18-for-24 (75%) with 227 passing yards and three touchdowns while also rushing four times for 18 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Andrew Behm's six tackles were a team-high, while Amir Dwight had 2.0 TFL and 1.0 sack and Donnie Wingate had 1.5 TFL and 1.0 sack.Â
A pair of freshmen tallied interceptions on Saturday: David Obadein and Cameron Cason. Obadein's came in the form of a pick-six, while Cason registered his on the final drive of the game.
DJ Williams' Strong 2025 Debut
In his first game since suffering a season-ending hand injury in Week 3 against Incarnate Word last season, DJ Williams was both efficient and effective in his return to the field last Saturday against Thomas More.
Williams' 75% completion percentage against the Saints was his highest mark as a Saluki, while his three passing touchdowns were tied for a career-high (reached this twice at Murray State). This was the senior quarterback's first three-touchdown game (passing) since Nov. 4, 2023, vs. North Dakota.
Defense Shines in Week One
Under first-year defensive coordinator Lee Pronschinske, the Southern Illinois defense was dominant against Thomas More. The visitors' lone three points came off of a field goal in the second quarter.
Southern held the Saints to 191 yards of total offense with 131 passing yards and 60 rushing. The 60 rushing yards were the fewest the Salukis have allowed in a game since allowing 53 vs. Austin Peay on Sept. 7, 2024, last season.
Linebacker Andrew Behm, who played in just three games in 2024 due to injury, led the team with six tackles after recording five total last year.
Donnie Wingate and Amir Dwight registered one sack each against the Saints. This was Dwight's third-career sack and first since Nov. 2, 2024, at Missouri State. Wingate's was his first as a Saluki after spending the previous three seasons at Lindenwood.Â
Where the Dawgs are Ranked     Â
After the opening week, the Salukis moved from No. 20 to No. 14 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll. North Dakota State remains in first, while South Dakota State (second) and Montana State (third) flipped spots. The MVFC has six teams ranked in the top 25.Â
In the latest AFCA FCS Coaches Poll, Southern Illinois has moved up from No. 20 to No. 15. North Dakota State is ranked in the top spot, followed by South Dakota State and Montana State. The latter is tied with Tarleton State for third as both received 567 points.
Series History
Southern Illinois is 0-1 all-time vs. Purdue. The last time the two teams met was on Sept. 20, 2014, where the Salukis fell by a final score of 35-13 in West Lafayette.
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.
