Southern Illinois Salukis defeat Northern Iowa Panthers 20-17

The Southern Illinois Salukis secured a 20-17 walk-off victory against the Northern Iowa Panthers at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois. The game featured a Blackout Cancer theme, with both teams and fans wearing black uniforms.

Northern Iowa took an early 7-0 lead following a four-yard touchdown pass by Cyrus Courtney. Southern Illinois responded with an 18-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback DJ Williams to tie the game. After a missed field goal attempt by the Panthers and a successful 21-yard field goal by the Salukis just before halftime, Southern Illinois held a 10-7 lead going into the break.

The contest concluded with a dramatic final play where DJ Williams scored a touchdown in the end zone, which was confirmed as valid following a review, sealing the win for the Salukis.