Southern Illinois bounces back with win at Samford

HOMEWOOD, Ala. (Heartland News) - It wasn’t pretty, but Southern Illinois can now put one mark in the win column.

The Salukis defeated Samford, 22-18, on the road in Alabama. Jake Curry made his first start since 2024, replacing an injured D.J. Williams, who was hurt in last week’s loss at West Florida.

Chandler Chapman led the way, running for 133 yards, adding 47 more on the ground for a total of 180.

Also contributing to a hot start for the Salukis was Pinckneyville native Karsen Konkel, who caught his first touchdown pass of his collegiate career to put Southern up 7-0.

A safety later made it 9-0, before Samford responded with points of their own, making it 9-7, still SIU leading.

SIU added another score later with a Curry TD pass to tight end Miles Marshall, with Lem Wash adding another short rushing touchdown in the second.

While it held close, Southern had the ball with time running out, burning enough off the clock to take the victory.

Next up for the Salukis is archrival SEMO. Southern Illinois currently holds the wheel, and they’ll fight to defend it in the next War for the Wheel, Saturday September 12 at Saluki Stadium.