Turnovers and inopportune penalties proved costly as the ISU football team fell to the Southern Illinois University Saturday at Memorial Stadium, 28-35.

"Our kids did a great job fighting back, I feel bad for our seniors, they deserve a better way to end it than this," ISU Head Coach Miles said.

The loss dropped the Sycamores to 6-5 overall for the season, 4-4 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC).  In addition, the defeat removed any chance the Sycamores will make an appearance in post-season play.  The Salukis improved their overall record to 4-7, 2-6 in the MVFC.

Sophomore running back Shakir Bell led the ground game for the Sycamores, rushing for a net gain of 137 yards and one touchdown.  Senior quarterback Ronnie Fouch completed 16 of 34 attempts for 295 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.  Sophomore wide receiver Donald Spencer had five receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns.  

On defense, junior linebacker Jacolby Washington led the team in tackles at 17 with one sack for a loss of six yards.  Senior defensive back Ryan Roberts recorded one interception in the third quarter.

The first half of play was controlled by the Salukis who capitalized on three Sycamore turnovers and entered the half with a 21-0 lead.

The third quarter proved more fruitful for the Sycamores.  On first and 10 at the Indiana State 28 yard line Fouch completed a 72-yard touchdown pass to Spencer for the Sycamores' first score of the game.  The Sycamores would keep the momentum in their favor as Roberts intercepted the ball on the Saluki's next possession.  Indiana State was able to put together a scoring drive following the interception as Bell rushed for 18 yards for a touchdown.

A defensive stop on fourth down and one by the Sycamores at the Indiana State 20 yard line gave the Sycamores possession once again, which they capitalized on putting together their third consecutive scoring drive and tied the game at 21.  

However, the Salukis continued to hang on as an interception early in the fourth quarter gave Southern Illinois their fourth scoring drive following an ISU turnover.  The Sycamores battled back, tying the game a second time at 28. But the Salukis continued to edge away, driving the ball the full length of the field to be once again up by seven.  The Sycamores put together a 12-play drive as they sought an equalizer while the clock winded down.  On that drive the Sycamores lost Bell due to injury as the team pushed for a touchdown.  However, on third and long, with seconds remaining, another intercepted pass at, the Saluki's one-yard line would end the Sycamores hope for victory and their season.