Saturday, October 18
Carbondale, IL
12 PM
Southern Illinois University
vs
North Dakota
Salukis Look to Bounce Back on Saturday Against No. 9/11 North Dakota in Blackout Cancer Game
10/15/2025 | 11:00:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. - In the annual Blackout Cancer game, the No. 12 Southern Illinois University football team (4-2, 1-1) will look to get back-on-track as it hosts No. 9/11 North Dakota on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 12 p.m.
The Blackout Cancer game is sponsored by the SIH Foundation. The black jerseys worn by players are auctioned off before the game and feature the names of loved ones who have battled cancer. All proceeds from the auction benefit the SIH Cancer Institute, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Game Details
- Date and Time:Â Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. CT
- Location: Saluki Stadium - Carbondale, Ill.
- Opponent:Â No. 9/11 North Dakota - Missouri Valley Football Conference
- Live Stats:Â Follow Along Here
- Watch:Â ESPN+
- Listen: The Varsity Network or Listen Locally on 101.5 CIL-FM
- Ticket Central:Â Buy tickets here
Recap of North Dakota State
Southern suffered its first FCS loss of the season in its last game on Saturday at No. 1 North Dakota State, falling by a final score of 45-17. The 45 points are the most SIU has allowed in a game this season.
The Salukis turned the ball over three times, with two being fumbles in Bison territory. The first came with 1:17 left in the first half at the NDSU 29-yard line with the score being 10-10. The Bison capitalized, scoring on the following drive.
After NDSU took a 24-10 lead early in the third, SIU moved the ball inside the opposing 30-yard line before its second fumble, giving the ball back to the hosts. North Dakota State found the endzone on its next possession.
Southern totaled 313 yards of offense in the loss. 190 of those yards were passing, while the Salukis also rushed for 123. NDSU put up 540 total yards against SIU, the second-most it has allowed in a game this season (allowed 569 at SEMO on Sept. 20).
The 123 rushing yards are the second-most North Dakota State has allowed in a game this season, and are the most it has allowed in Fargo. Southern's two rushing scores are also the most the Bison have given up in a game in 2025.
Series History
This will be the fifth meeting all-time between North Dakota and Southern Illinois, with the Salukis holding the 3-1 series advantage. SIU is 3-0 against North Dakota at home,and lost the lone road meeting, 44-21, in 2020.
The last time the two sides met was on Sept. 24, 2022, when Southern won, 34-17, in Carbondale. The Salukis got off to a quick start, leading, 10-0, at the end of the first quarter before out-scoring the Fighting Hawks, 14-10, in the second. Southern also out-scored North Dakota, 10-7, in the second half.
The series dates back to 2008 with a 12-year gap between the first and second meetings. SIU won in 2008, 40-21, and in 2021, 31-28.
Looking at the Fighting Hawks
North Dakota improved to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in MVFC play after defeating Youngstown State, 35-17, in its last game on Oct. 11. After the win, the Fighting Hawks moved up to No. 9 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll and No. 11 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll.
The Fighting Hawks have scored exactly 35 points in each of their first two conference games and rank 10th in the country in scoring offense, averaging 39.3 points-per-game.
On the defensive end, North Dakota is allowing 18.8 points-per-game, ranking 14th in the nation. The Fighting Hawks also have the sixth-ranked rushing defense, allowing 95.5 yards-per-game.
North Dakota quarterback Jerry Kaminski is tied for third in the country in passing touchdowns with 17 on the year. Kaminski is also 41st in passing yards with 1217. Linebacker Malachi McNeal leads the team in tackles with 44 in six games.
Offense Ranks Among the Nation's Best
Entering Saturday's game against North Dakota, Southern is 12th in the country and third in the MVFC in scoring, averaging 39.0 points-per-game. Saturday's loss to NDSU marked only the second time this season SIU has been held to fewer than 37 points in a game (also had 17 at Purdue on Sept. 6).
Southern Illinois has had one of the nation's strongest rushing offenses through its opening six games. So far in 2025, the Salukis are averaging 220.8 rushing yards-per-game, which ranks 11th in the FCS. Only North Dakota State (235.3) ranks better in the Valley.
The Saluks have rushed for at least 270 yards in three games and are 3-0 when reaching this mark. This includes a Saluki Stadium record 430 rushing yards in the last home game on Oct. 4 vs. Indiana State, the eighth-most overall in program history.
When rushing for 200+ yards, SIU has a record of 23-11 under Coach Hill. When scoring 35+ points, it is 34-6 during Hill's time as the program's head coach.
DJ Williams Sits Near the Top of Several FCS Leaderboards
Senior quarterback DJ Williams, who missed most of 2024 due to injury, has thrown for 1404 yards with 11 passing touchdowns and just three interceptions through six games. On the ground, Williams has rushed for a team-leading 427 yards on 65 attempts (6.6 avg) and has scored 10 rushing touchdowns. The 10 rushing scores are tied for the most among all quarterbacks in the FCS.
Williams' 427 rushing yards are the fourth-most among quarterbacks in the nation and rank 46th overall. Only Youngstown State's Beau Brungard (727 yards) has rushed for more yards among Valley quarterbacks.
In other categories, Williams is second in the nation in points responsible for (126), third in total offense (averaging 305.2 yards-per-game), 22nd in passing yards, and 16th in passing efficiency (157.02).
Vinson Davis III's Career Year
Through six games, wide receiver Vinson Davis III is well on his way to setting new career-high marks across the board in 2025. Davis has already surpassed his 2024 totals of 454 yards and two touchdowns in eight fewer games this year, tallying 31 receptions for 547 yards and three touchdowns. The three touchdowns are one shy of tying a career-high four that was set in 2022 while Davis was at Charleston Southern.
Davis is second in the conference and 11th in the FCS in receiving yards. The senior is one of 19 players in the country that has reached 500 receiving yards so far in 2025. Davis is also 12th in the nation in all purpose yards-per-game (127.00).
Defense by the Numbers
The Salukis have gained 11 turnovers, the second-most in the Valley. This is also tied for 17th in the country. Southern's turnover margin is now at 0.5, which is tied for fifth in the conference and 27th in the nation. Against NDSU, SIU did not force a turnover for the first time this season. The last time Southern didn't cause a turnover was on Nov. 16, 2024, at South Dakota State.
Southern's six interceptions are tied for second in the league and 20th in the FCS. SIU had recorded an interception in all five games prior to the trip to Fargo. In terms of fumbles recovered, Southern's five are also tied for second in the MVFC and rank 24th in the country.
Jeremiah McClendon has recorded eight pass breakups, which is tied for the league-lead. McClendon had exactly two breakups in each of his previous four games before having none at North Dakota State. The corner's eight breakups are tied for fifth in the FCS.
Andrew Behm is still the team's leader in tackles (42) despite missing SIU's last game due to injury. Safety Cejai Parson is second on the team with 38 total tackles, followed by linebacker Colin Bohanek's 36. Defensive linemen Donnie Wingate and Vontrell Chairse are tied for the team-lead in both tackles for loss (4.0) and sacks (3.0). Vinny Pierre's two interceptions are the most on SIU.
Where the Dawgs are Ranked
Southern Illinois fell four spots to No. 12 in the latest Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll after last week's loss at North Dakota State. Prior to the loss, the Salukis had entered the top 10 in both the Stats Perform and coaches poll for the first time this season.
After previously holding the No. 9 spot in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll, Southern is now ranked No. 12 after the loss. North Dakota State is No. 1 with 26 first-place votes followed by No. 2 South Dakota State. Illinois State (No. 9) is the third team from the conference to be voted in the top 10.
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.
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The Blackout Cancer game is sponsored by the SIH Foundation. The black jerseys worn by players are auctioned off before the game and feature the names of loved ones who have battled cancer. All proceeds from the auction benefit the SIH Cancer Institute, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Game Details
- Date and Time:Â Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. CT
- Location: Saluki Stadium - Carbondale, Ill.
- Opponent:Â No. 9/11 North Dakota - Missouri Valley Football Conference
- Live Stats:Â Follow Along Here
- Watch:Â ESPN+
- Listen: The Varsity Network or Listen Locally on 101.5 CIL-FM
- Ticket Central:Â Buy tickets here
Recap of North Dakota State
Southern suffered its first FCS loss of the season in its last game on Saturday at No. 1 North Dakota State, falling by a final score of 45-17. The 45 points are the most SIU has allowed in a game this season.
The Salukis turned the ball over three times, with two being fumbles in Bison territory. The first came with 1:17 left in the first half at the NDSU 29-yard line with the score being 10-10. The Bison capitalized, scoring on the following drive.
After NDSU took a 24-10 lead early in the third, SIU moved the ball inside the opposing 30-yard line before its second fumble, giving the ball back to the hosts. North Dakota State found the endzone on its next possession.
Southern totaled 313 yards of offense in the loss. 190 of those yards were passing, while the Salukis also rushed for 123. NDSU put up 540 total yards against SIU, the second-most it has allowed in a game this season (allowed 569 at SEMO on Sept. 20).
The 123 rushing yards are the second-most North Dakota State has allowed in a game this season, and are the most it has allowed in Fargo. Southern's two rushing scores are also the most the Bison have given up in a game in 2025.
Series History
This will be the fifth meeting all-time between North Dakota and Southern Illinois, with the Salukis holding the 3-1 series advantage. SIU is 3-0 against North Dakota at home,and lost the lone road meeting, 44-21, in 2020.
The last time the two sides met was on Sept. 24, 2022, when Southern won, 34-17, in Carbondale. The Salukis got off to a quick start, leading, 10-0, at the end of the first quarter before out-scoring the Fighting Hawks, 14-10, in the second. Southern also out-scored North Dakota, 10-7, in the second half.
The series dates back to 2008 with a 12-year gap between the first and second meetings. SIU won in 2008, 40-21, and in 2021, 31-28.
Looking at the Fighting Hawks
North Dakota improved to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in MVFC play after defeating Youngstown State, 35-17, in its last game on Oct. 11. After the win, the Fighting Hawks moved up to No. 9 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll and No. 11 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll.
The Fighting Hawks have scored exactly 35 points in each of their first two conference games and rank 10th in the country in scoring offense, averaging 39.3 points-per-game.
On the defensive end, North Dakota is allowing 18.8 points-per-game, ranking 14th in the nation. The Fighting Hawks also have the sixth-ranked rushing defense, allowing 95.5 yards-per-game.
North Dakota quarterback Jerry Kaminski is tied for third in the country in passing touchdowns with 17 on the year. Kaminski is also 41st in passing yards with 1217. Linebacker Malachi McNeal leads the team in tackles with 44 in six games.
Offense Ranks Among the Nation's Best
Entering Saturday's game against North Dakota, Southern is 12th in the country and third in the MVFC in scoring, averaging 39.0 points-per-game. Saturday's loss to NDSU marked only the second time this season SIU has been held to fewer than 37 points in a game (also had 17 at Purdue on Sept. 6).
Southern Illinois has had one of the nation's strongest rushing offenses through its opening six games. So far in 2025, the Salukis are averaging 220.8 rushing yards-per-game, which ranks 11th in the FCS. Only North Dakota State (235.3) ranks better in the Valley.
The Saluks have rushed for at least 270 yards in three games and are 3-0 when reaching this mark. This includes a Saluki Stadium record 430 rushing yards in the last home game on Oct. 4 vs. Indiana State, the eighth-most overall in program history.
When rushing for 200+ yards, SIU has a record of 23-11 under Coach Hill. When scoring 35+ points, it is 34-6 during Hill's time as the program's head coach.
DJ Williams Sits Near the Top of Several FCS Leaderboards
Senior quarterback DJ Williams, who missed most of 2024 due to injury, has thrown for 1404 yards with 11 passing touchdowns and just three interceptions through six games. On the ground, Williams has rushed for a team-leading 427 yards on 65 attempts (6.6 avg) and has scored 10 rushing touchdowns. The 10 rushing scores are tied for the most among all quarterbacks in the FCS.
Williams' 427 rushing yards are the fourth-most among quarterbacks in the nation and rank 46th overall. Only Youngstown State's Beau Brungard (727 yards) has rushed for more yards among Valley quarterbacks.
In other categories, Williams is second in the nation in points responsible for (126), third in total offense (averaging 305.2 yards-per-game), 22nd in passing yards, and 16th in passing efficiency (157.02).
Vinson Davis III's Career Year
Through six games, wide receiver Vinson Davis III is well on his way to setting new career-high marks across the board in 2025. Davis has already surpassed his 2024 totals of 454 yards and two touchdowns in eight fewer games this year, tallying 31 receptions for 547 yards and three touchdowns. The three touchdowns are one shy of tying a career-high four that was set in 2022 while Davis was at Charleston Southern.
Davis is second in the conference and 11th in the FCS in receiving yards. The senior is one of 19 players in the country that has reached 500 receiving yards so far in 2025. Davis is also 12th in the nation in all purpose yards-per-game (127.00).
Defense by the Numbers
The Salukis have gained 11 turnovers, the second-most in the Valley. This is also tied for 17th in the country. Southern's turnover margin is now at 0.5, which is tied for fifth in the conference and 27th in the nation. Against NDSU, SIU did not force a turnover for the first time this season. The last time Southern didn't cause a turnover was on Nov. 16, 2024, at South Dakota State.
Southern's six interceptions are tied for second in the league and 20th in the FCS. SIU had recorded an interception in all five games prior to the trip to Fargo. In terms of fumbles recovered, Southern's five are also tied for second in the MVFC and rank 24th in the country.
Jeremiah McClendon has recorded eight pass breakups, which is tied for the league-lead. McClendon had exactly two breakups in each of his previous four games before having none at North Dakota State. The corner's eight breakups are tied for fifth in the FCS.
Andrew Behm is still the team's leader in tackles (42) despite missing SIU's last game due to injury. Safety Cejai Parson is second on the team with 38 total tackles, followed by linebacker Colin Bohanek's 36. Defensive linemen Donnie Wingate and Vontrell Chairse are tied for the team-lead in both tackles for loss (4.0) and sacks (3.0). Vinny Pierre's two interceptions are the most on SIU.
Where the Dawgs are Ranked
Southern Illinois fell four spots to No. 12 in the latest Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll after last week's loss at North Dakota State. Prior to the loss, the Salukis had entered the top 10 in both the Stats Perform and coaches poll for the first time this season.
After previously holding the No. 9 spot in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll, Southern is now ranked No. 12 after the loss. North Dakota State is No. 1 with 26 first-place votes followed by No. 2 South Dakota State. Illinois State (No. 9) is the third team from the conference to be voted in the top 10.
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.
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