Vandals to play host to Southern Illinois in second round of FCS playoffs

From news services

The fourth-seeded Idaho Vandal football team will face Southern Illinois Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Kibbie Dome in the second round of the FCS Playoffs after the Salukis shut out Nicholls 35-0 on Saturday at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Ill.

The Salukis (8-4, 4-4 Missouri Valley Football Conference) dominated the game from the opening kickoff, holding the Colonels to just 252 yards of total offense and 13 first downs while forcing three turnovers. On the offensive side, SIU rushed for 177 yards and tallied 258 yards of total offense in the win.

Quarterback Nic Barker was 12 of 22 for 168 yards and two TDs, and Ro Elliott rushed nine times for 111 yards and two TDs.

Idaho and Southern Illinois are two of just four FCS schools to own wins over FBS programs. The Vandals rolled Nevada 33-6 and SIU toppled Northern Illinois 14-11.

Idaho and SIU have never met in football.

Tickets are on sale now at govandals.com