Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
5-1
Southern Illinois
6-3
Wildcats fall 34-31 to Salukis in first round of FCS Playoffs
4/24/2021 6:57:00 PM | Football
The Salukis converted on a fourth and six attempt with an 8-yard touchdown that gave SIU the winning score with 51 seconds remaining.
"You have to give credit to Southern Illinois for making plays," said WSU head coach Jay Hill. "There were a few times in the second half when we had chances to go up two scores and we didn't do it and before you know it, they took the lead in the fourth quarter. They are a tough team and made big plays when they needed to."
The Wildcats jumped out to a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter, then led 21-7 early in the second. SIU scored 10 points in the second quarter to make it 21-17 at halftime.
The Salukis took the lead at 24-21 late in the third quarter, before the Wildcats tied it up with a field goal early in the fourth quarter. There were four lead changes in the fourth quarter as SIU went up 27-24 after a 44-yard field goal.
Bronson Barron converted on a 3-yard touchdown to give the 'Cats a 31-27 lead with 5:25 to play before the Salukis went 11-plays and 75-yards for the winning score.
Southern Illinois finished with 443 yards of total offense, compared to 422 for Weber State. The Salukis had 233 yards passing and 210 yards rushing. SIU was 7 off 14 on third down conversion attempts and scored on all five attempts in the red zone, including three touchdowns. WSU's defense had 12 tackles for loss and four sacks.
Barron was 16 of 29 passing for 224 yards and one touchdown, along with a rushing touchdown, but did throw two interceptions.
Daniel Wright, Jr. led the rushing game with 91 yards and a touchdown and Dontae McMillan, the Big Sky Freshman of the Year, added 68 yards. All-American Josh Davis missed his second-straight game with a high ankle sprain.
Justin Malone led the receivers with four catches for 57 yards and a touchdown. Conner Mortensen, the Big Sky Defensive MVP, had eight tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss.
Preston Smith, Sione Lapuaho, Logan Lutui and Mitchel Maxfield each had a sack and Maxfield also had an interception.
The loss ends Weber State's unprecedented spring season at 5-1. The Wildcats also snapped an 11-game home winning streak.
The Wildcats captured their fourth straight Big Sky Conference Championship and their first outright conference title with an undefeated 5-0 conference record.
Weber State now shifts its focus to the fall 2021 season which begins September 2 at Utah.
Team Stats
SIU 0, WSU 7
WSU - JACKSON, Kris 1 yd run (THOMPSON, Kyle kick), 8 plays, 69 yards, TOP 3:38
SIU 0, WSU 14
WSU - MALONE, Justin 28 yd pass from BARRON, Bronson (THOMPSON, Kyle kick) 2 plays, 28 yards, TOP 0:00
SIU 7, WSU 14
SIU - Cox, Avante 26 yd pass from Labanowitz, Sto (Gualdoni, Nico kick) 7 plays, 75 yards, TOP 2:59
SIU 7, WSU 21
WSU - WRIGHT, Daniel 1 yd run (THOMPSON, Kyle kick), 15 plays, 75 yards, TOP 7:04
SIU 14, WSU 21
SIU - Elliott, Romeir 1 yd run (Gualdoni, Nico kick), 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 3:57
SIU 17, WSU 21
SIU - Gualdoni, Nico 35 yd field goal 13 plays, 62 yards, TOP 4:19
SIU 24, WSU 21
SIU - Steward, Cole 3 yd pass from Gualdoni, Nico (Gualdoni, Nico kick) 13 plays, 80 yards, TOP 4:57
SIU 24, WSU 24
WSU - THOMPSON, Kyle 28 yd field goal 4 plays, -8 yards, TOP 1:05
SIU 27, WSU 24
SIU - Gualdoni, Nico 44 yd field goal 11 plays, 48 yards, TOP 5:44
SIU 27, WSU 31
WSU - BARRON, Bronson 3 yd run (THOMPSON, Kyle kick), 7 plays, 77 yards, TOP 2:53
SIU 34, WSU 31
SIU - Combs, Branson 8 yd pass from Labanowitz, Sto (Gualdoni, Nico kick) 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 4:34
