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9/8/2018 | 3 PM

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MURRAY, Ky. —  In the season opener for both schools, Southern Illinois beat Murray State, 49-10, behind a 127-yard rushing performance by D.J. Davis and a school-record three defensive touchdowns. 

The Salukis (1-0) won for the first time at Murray State since 1991, ending a four-game losing streak there. They did it behind a ferocious defensive effort that forced six turnovers. SIU’s defense tied a school record by taking it to the house three times — a 23-yard fumble return by Qua Brown, an interception in the end zone by Airan Reed, and a 73-yard fumble return by Michael Elbert.

“We didn’t go the entire year last year and score on defense, and in the first game this year we score three times on defense and create six turnovers,” remarked SIU head coach Nick Hill. “The (defense) led the way, they set the tone.”

Southern spotted Murray a 3-0 lead midway through the first quarter when quarterback Sam Straub was strip-sacked and the Racers recovered at the SIU 20. The defense rose to the occasion, though, as Blake Parzych and James Ceasar made tackles in the backfield to force the field goal.

The Salukis responded with what was their best drive of the night, marching 75 yards in 11 plays until Straub lofted a fade pass to the right corner of the end zone that receiver Darrell James hauled in for a touchdown. It was a fabulous catch by James, who had three receptions on the night to reach the 100 mark in his career. Davis had 40 yards on five carries during the drive. All 127 of his yards on the ground came during the first half, in fact. 

SIU’s defense scored twice in the second quarter. First, cornerback Madre Harper ripped the ball from Armani Haynes into the hands of Brown, who raced untouched for the score. Harper did the same thing on the next drive, this time stripping Sylvaughn Turner, with Brown again picking up the loose ball. It didn’t result in points, but Southern pinned the Racers at their own 6. That’s when defensive end Anthony Knighton deflected a pass attempt by Drew Anderson that ended up in Reed’s arms for instant pick-six.

“It’s always fun to watch a drill or something that you emphasize come to light in a game,” Hill said. “A couple of the strips is the second guy there punching the ball as the guy is going down. Defensive lineman — if you can’t get there, getting a hand up and tipping the ball. Turnovers don’t just happen.”

The Salukis led, 28-10, at halftime and administered the knockout punch midway through the second half, when safety Jeremy Chinn jarred the ball loose from wide receiver DeQuan Dallas, and teammate Michael Elbert scooped it up and raced 77 yards for a score.

“I’ve never been so happy playing defense and seeing all my guys just having fun, making plays, seeing everyone involved,” said Chinn, who led the team with six tackles, and bounced back from strained knee that kept him out of most of training camp. “It’s a beautiful day when it all comes together.”

There were plenty of heroes on defense. Harper forced two fumbles and Brown recovered two. Knighton had a sack, two tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry. As a unit the defense had nine tackles for loss, three sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. It held Murray State to just 87 rushing yards and 2-of-12 on third down conversions.

“Guys flying around and making plays,” Hill smiled. “It will be fun to put on the film tomorrow in our team meeting.”

The Salukis were workmanlike on offense, piling up 295 rushing yards on a staggering 62 carries. Jonathan Mixonhad 56 bruising yards and freshman quarterback Javon Williams added 35 yards on only four tries. Backup quarterback Matt DeSomer ran for one score and passed for another.

“We play in a conference where you have to be physical and be able to run the football,” Hill said. “We got into some ‘big’ personnels and ran the football. We do have a couple fullbacks, we have an outstanding tight end.”

Before exiting the field after the game, the Salukis stopped to sing the school fight song to SIU fans who made the two-hour trip from Carbondale.

“We were 4-7 last year, so wins are big,” Hill said. “Getting off to a good start and getting that feeling in the locker room. There’s nothing like that. There’s a lot of reasons why you coach, and one of those is that feeling of winning.”

Southern has 10 days to prep for its next opponent — Ole Miss.

“I don’t think anybody will have over-confidence,” Hill said. “It will be an outstanding challenge against one of the best offenses in the country, draft picks and an opportunity to play in one of the coolest environments in college football.”