Defense, special teams spark Northern Iowa to 40-21 victory over Southern Illinois
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Brion Carnes threw for two touchdowns, David Johnson ran for two more and the Northern Iowa's defense and special teams scored in a 40-21 victory over Southern Illinois on Saturday.
Turnovers loomed large in the win for the Panthers (7-4, 5-2 Missouri Valley). Max Busher returned an interception 24 yards to set up Johnson's 1-yard touchdown. Tim Kilfoy's second pick-six this season made it 21-0. In the third quarter, Tate Omli recovered a fumbled punt snap in the end zone for a 27-0 advantage. In the final quarter, Ryan West was intercepted a third time, this one by Ray Mitchell, setting up Carnes' 32-yard scoring pass to Brett LeMaster on the next play.
UNI's defense and special teams have scored 153 of the team's 349 points this season.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}MyCole Pruitt became SIU's career receptions leader with 211 after making nine catches Saturday.