CARBONDALE, Ill. — In a thrilling comeback, Jake Curry passed for over 300 yards and secured three touchdown throws, leading Southern Illinois to triumph over Youngstown State with a final score of 37-33 on Saturday. This victory marked the first conference success of the season for Southern Illinois, which now stands at 3-7 overall and 1-5 within the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

Initially, the Penguins took command of the game, racing to a significant 28-0 lead. This advantage was built on three touchdown passes paired with a rushing touchdown by Beau Brungard, and they maintained a 30-12 edge at halftime. Even with a strong lead, Youngstown State continued to hold the upper hand, leading 33-18 at the end of the third quarter.

However, the fourth quarter marked a decisive change in momentum. Jerrian Parker initiated the Salukis’ resurgence with a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by Curry’s 18-yard touchdown pass to Colton Hoag, bringing the score closer to 33-31 after a failed two-point conversion attempt with just under three minutes left on the clock.

In a critical defensive stand, Southern Illinois managed to force Youngstown State into a three-and-out series. Seizing the opportunity, the Salukis then executed an impressive 65-yard drive in just three plays, capped by a 20-yard touchdown pass from Curry to Bradley Clark, which clinched the lead. Yet another two-point conversion failed, leaving the score at 37-33.

As Youngstown State attempted a final drive to reclaim the lead, they advanced to the SIU 17-yard line. Unfortunately for them, they ran out of time after an incompletion on third down, sealing their fate.

On the statistical front, Curry completed 19 throws out of 26 attempts for 322 yards, contributing three touchdowns alongside one interception. He also led the team in rushing, accumulating 78 yards. Allen Middleton played a key role in the receiving corps with seven catches for 102 yards, including one touchdown.

For the Penguins, Brungard finished his efforts by completing 18 of 31 passes for 266 yards, tossing one touchdown but also throwing two picks. He added a powerful performance on the ground, rushing for 121 yards and scoring three times, with Max Tomczak being his favorite target, amassing 154 receiving yards.