MURRAY, Ky. (AP) — DJ Williams threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns, including 145 yards to Markell Quick, as Southern Illinois scored 46 unanswered points to beat Murray State 46-6 on Saturday in a Missouri Valley Football Conference opener for both teams.
The Salukis (3-2), ranked No. 24 in the Stats Perform poll, have won three straight against FCS opponents since their Week 0 loss to West Florida.
Murray State (1-4) took a 6-0 lead on Jim Ogle’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Potter before Southern Illinois took control.
Weston Schofield made field goals of 29 and 34 yards before Lem Wash’s 3-yard touchdown run gave the Salukis a 12-6 lead early in the second quarter.
Joshua Newkirk returned a blocked punt for a touchdown later in the quarter — Southern Illinois’ first blocked punt return for a score since Oct. 3, 2015. Williams then connected with Edward Robinson for a 6-yard touchdown to make it 29-6 at halftime.
Williams hit Quick, who finished with four catches, for a 75-yard touchdown early in the third quarter.
Southern Illinois rushed for 229 yards and intercepted two passes, while Schofield made four field goals.
Ogle threw for 77 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions for Murray State.
Up next
Southern Illinois: Hosts Youngstown State next Saturday.
Murray State: At North Dakota next Saturday.
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