| Box Score | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Illinois | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 | 28 |
| Southern Illinois | 0 | 14 | 7 | 21 | 42 |
Quick Start Gives Salukis Win in "Dog Brawl"
The Southern Illinois Salukis jumped out to a 14-0 halftime lead, and propelled themselves to a 42-28 win over Northern Illinois in the 2nd Prairie State Dawg Brawl.
Senior tailback Isaiah Mack had a career day rushing, massing 240 yards on 24 carries, for 2 touchdowns. Freshman quarterback Courtney Smart completed 14 of 21 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown. Senior backup Ryan Eillis provided an offensive spark with his best game of the season hitting on 6 of 6 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown, along with 42 yards on 8 carries.
The Huskies got a spark early in the third quarter, returning a Mack fumble 80 yards on SIU's opening drive to cut the lead to 14-7. NIU cut into the Salukis' lead again late in the third, going into the final quarter down 21-14, but could get no closer.
The Salukis are now 2-0 against NIU as a 1-A program.
SIU will host Southern Methodist next week.
Players of the Game
No Player of the game indicated.
| Game Statistics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Northern Illinois | Southern Illinois |
| First Downs | 8 | 28 |
| Total Offense | 233 | 524 |
| Rushes-YDS | 13-154 | 36-272 |
| Passing YDS | 79 | 252 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Total Yards | 297 | 652 |
| T.O.P. | 07:06 | 16:54 |