CARBONDALE, Ill. (Interstat) — Southern Illinois defeated Southeast Missouri State 34-20 on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, in an NCAA Football Championship Division game at Saluki Stadium. The Salukis improved to 2-1, while the Redhawks dropped to 1-2. Southern Illinois quarterback DJ Williams scored on runs of 16, 2, 13 and 30 yards. Southern Illinois scored 21 points in the third quarter to take control. Weston Schofield made extra points after late touchdowns. Southeast Missouri State’s Braylen Ragland threw a 63-yard touchdown pass to John Anthony Jr. Justin Keller made field goals of 39 and 21 yards, and Payton Brown added a 1-yard touchdown run. The Southern Illinois defense helped protect the lead as the Salukis pulled away at home. The Redhawks finished the game with 20 points. Southeast Missouri State next hosts Central Arkansas on Sept. 19. Southern Illinois visits Illinois on Sept. 19.