BROOKINGS — No. 3 South Dakota State finished off the home portion of the regular season schedule with an easy victory on Saturday, defeating injury-riddled Southern Illinois 41-10 in front of 17,268 Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium fans.
With the win, SDSU improves to 9-2 and 6-1 in the Valley. If the Jackrabbits defeat Missouri State next week and USD beats North Dakota State, SDSU would earn a share of the Valley conference title.
Either way, the Jacks are assured of a spot in the FCS playoffs and continuing to show signs of playing their best football as the second season nears. SDSU has won four in a row, the last three by margins of at least 31 points.
Amar Johnson rushed for a career-high 157 yards and two touchdowns for the Jacks, while Angel Johnson ran for 50 yards and a score and Mark Gronowski completed 11-of-17 throws for 185 yards and a rushing touchdown. Matt Durrance had four tackles and two interceptions to lead the defense.
It took the Jacks awhile to warm up, perhaps bummed out by senior linebacker Adam Bock getting ejected for targeting on the first play of the game (on Senior Day, no less). But after taking a 3-0 lead into the second quarter SDSU exploded for four touchdowns before the half, all on the ground, to put the game away early.
The Jacks will travel to Springfield, Mo., next week to finish the regular season against Missouri State.
Southern Illinois (3-8, 1-6) wraps up the season at home against Murray State.
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