SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — Cody Kirby threw for 348 yards and a pair of touchdowns to lead Missouri State to a 51-41 win over Southern Illinois on Saturday.
Chris Douglas also helped out the Bears (4-4, 3-2 Missouri Valley) by rushing for three touchdowns, including two in the second half.
The Salukis (3-5, 2-3) led the first half 19-17, thanks in part to touchdown runs by Chris Dieker and Shariff Harris as well as a team safety that marked the game’s opening score. Dieker finished 15 for 21 passing for 210 yards and two touchdowns.
It became tied at 41-all with about 12 minutes left when SIU’s Steve Strother made a short dash to the end zone.
But Austin Witmer kicked his third field goal for the Bears a few minutes later to give them the lead for good. Then Douglas ran in for his third TD with 2:20 to go.
