Southern Illinois defensive back Eric Williams muffed an SMU punt inside the Saluki 20 yard line late in the first quarter. Four plays later, Mustang placekicker Chad Conley gave SMU a 3-0 lead with 1:52 remaining in the quarter.

That would be the high point of the day for the Mustangs.

The Saluki defense held the Mustangs to 98 total yards and 4 first downs en route to a 28-3 drubbing for their 6th straight win of the 2007 season.

Freshman quarterback Courtney Smart completed 13 of 20 passes for 194 yards and 3 touchdowns. Senior running back Isaiah Mack was suspended for the first half for academic reasons, but still managed 126 yards on 21 second-half carries, good for a touchdown. Sophomore Jarad Wolfe filled in well for Mack, gaining 17 yards on just 8 carried, but also grabbing 4 receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown.

SIU came out sluggish, turning the ball over on their first three possessions, spotting SMU their only points of the game.

The win make SIU bowl-eligible in only their second year of 1-A football.

SIU will host Kentucky next weekend.

Burley, Henderson Committ to SIU Defense

Last week's big win over Northern Illinois garnered Southern Illinois two big recruiting commitments for the 2008 season.
Outside lineback Jonathan Burley
Jonathan Burley LOLB 4.46 370 620 B IL* 1 unchanged 25
Joe Williams CB 4.24 215 315 A- IL* 5 unchanged 25
Brian Henderson CB 4.35 215 350 B FL* 2 unchanged 25