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S. Illinois ends North Dakota State's 39-game winning streak

Posted February 27, 2021 6:00 am

The Associated Press

Southern Illinois running back Javon Williams Jr. (15) scores a 1-yard touchdown against North Dakota State during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 29, 2021, in Carbondale, Ill. (Byron Hetzler/The Southern Illinoisan via AP) The Associated Press

CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) - Javon Williams Jr. and Romeir Elliott each had a pair of touchdown runs, and Southern Illinois beat top-ranked North Dakota State 38-14 on Saturday that ended the Bison's 39-game winning streak.

North Dakota State (2-1, 1-1 Missouri Valley), which has won three straight FCS championships, last lost on Nov. 4, 2017 to then-No. 8 South Dakota State.

'œWe didn't show up and play very well,'ť Bison coach Matt Entz said. 'œThere was not any position group that played well.'ť

It was the Bison's worst defeat since a 37-6 loss at Cal Poly during the 2005 season.

Williams ran for a 3-yard score and Elliott broke loose for a 20-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Both scores followed a North Dakota State turnover. Elliott finished with 91 yards rushing and Williams had 41, and the pair also had touchdown runs in the second quarter.

The Salukis (2-1, 1-1) snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Bison, who were 16.5-point favorites.

'œThis game will be recognized for a long time, maybe the biggest win in that stadium,'ť Southern Illinois coach Nick Hill said of ending North Dakota State's FCS-record winning streak.

Avante Cox had seven receptions for 138 yards for Southern Illinois. His 65-yard catch set up Williams' 1-yard touchdown run on fourth down to give the Salukis a 17-0 lead with about a minute left in the second quarter.

Salukis quarterback Nic Baker, making his first career start and filling in for senior Kare Lyles, who left with a rib injury during last week's game against North Dakota, was 17-of-23 passing for 254 yards. His 6-yard touchdown pass to Landon Lenoir stretched the Salukis' lead to 24-7 early in the fourth quarter.

'œIt's what I hope for, it's what I've dreamed of,'ť Baker said. 'œI kind of want those moments."

Zeb Noland threw a 37-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass that was tipped to Jake Lippe that pulled the Bison to 17-7 at the break. Jalen Bussey's 63-yard run set up Noland's 5-yard touchdown run with 2:16 remaining.

Noland was 13 of 24 for 159 yards. Bussey finished with 72 yards on three carries. The Bison were held to 268 yards of offense and their time of possession was just 18:34.

It was Southern Illinois' first win against the Bison since a 24-14 home victory on Sept. 26, 2009.

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Southern Illinois running back Javon Williams Jr. (15) looks to avoid North Dakota State linebacker Jasir Cox (3) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 29, 2021, in Carbondale, Ill. (Byron Hetzler/The Southern Illinoisan via AP) The Associated Press

Southern Illinois linebacker Luke Giegling (34) and teammates celebrate in front of fans after a 38-14 win over North Dakota State in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 29, 2021, in Carbondale, Ill. (Byron Hetzler/The Southern Illinoisan via AP) The Associated Press

Southern Illinois wide receiver Avante Cox (11) sprints away from North Dakota State safety Dom Jones (10) on a 65-yard reception during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 29, 2021, in Carbondale, Ill. (Byron Hetzler/The Southern Illinoisan via AP) The Associated Press

Southern Illinois safety Clayton Bush (0) forces a fumble by North Dakota State quarterback Zeb Noland (8) during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 29, 2021, in Carbondale, Ill. (Byron Hetzler/The Southern Illinoisan via AP) The Associated Press

Southern Illinois running back Javon Williams Jr. (15) finds a hole in the North Dakota State defense during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 29, 2021, in Carbondale, Ill. (Byron Hetzler/The Southern Illinoisan via AP) The Associated Press

Southern Illinois running back Justin Strong (5) looks for a block from wide receiver Branson Combs (83) against North Dakota State free safety Dom Jones (10) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 29, 2021, in Carbondale, Ill. (Byron Hetzler/The Southern Illinoisan via AP) The Associated Press

Southern Illinois running back Romeir Elliott (1) looks for running room next to North Dakota State free safety Dawson Weber (2) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Feb. 29, 2021, in Carbondale, Ill. (Byron Hetzler/The Southern Illinoisan via AP) The Associated Press

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