Special Teams, Defense take center stage in Salukis

The offense had its best outing of the season Saturday at Murray State, but No.

Official response and confirmed impact

24 Southern Illinois University's other two units took center stage in its league opener.

Joshua Newkirk returned a blocked punt 15 yards for a touchdown, Tae Marrero Jr. returned with a 22-yard punt return that set up a touchdown, and kicker Weston Schofield hit a school-record four field goals in the Salukis' 46-6 win.

Cornerback Sebastian Vargas, who picked off a pass for the third straight game, returned Saturday's version 67 yards to set up another score for SIU (3-2, 1-0 Missouri Valley Football Conference) at Roy Stewart Stadium.

Linebacker Andrew Behm picked off another pass, and the defense shut out the Racers (1-4, 0-1) after they scored on their opening drive to take a 6-0 lead.

"The hidden yardage in this game was such a big thing. Our punt returns. Scoring on special teams," SIU coach Nick Hill said.

"Our picks, that were getting multiple first downs on return yardage. Those are team yards. They're not going to show up in stats on offense.

Those are multiple first downs. (Vargas)' return all the way down. That's an offensive play.