The Southern Illinois Saluki football winning streak is over. After eight straight wins against mediocre to average competition, the Salukis ran into a brick wall Saturday against the #19 South Carolina Gamecocks.

The Gamecock offense gashed the Salukis for 376 yards and 7 touchdowns in the air en route to a 55-7 win in Columbia.

The high-powers Saluki offense could not get going, and the defense was force to be on the field much longer than it had been used to.

"We were completely outmatched," said SIU head coach Turk Battle. "I think we've learned after today and after tough games against Kentucky and Alabama, that we have some ground to make up against the SEC. This is another class of football down here."

Another streak also ended for the Salukis. Senior running back Isaiah Mack rushed for 92 yards on 19 carries, the first time in the last 8 games he has failed to reach the century mark. Freshman quarterback Courtney Smart also had a mediocre day, completing 12 of 27 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. Freshman middle linebacker Shelton Bracy recorded 7 tackles in his first game back in 4 weeks from an ankle injury.

The Salukis return home next week to face Tulsa.