SEMO hosts Southern Illinois in annual ‘War for the Wheel’ rivalry

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) – Southeast Missouri (1-2) will host longtime rival No. 11 Southern Illinois (2-1) in the annual “War for the Wheel” game Saturday at Houck Field. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

The Redhawks hold a 44-40-8 advantage in the all-time series, which began in 1909 and is the longest in both programs’ histories. The schools are located 48 miles apart. SEMO claimed the wheel trophy last year with a 38-21 victory over then-No. 7 SIU in Carbondale.

Head Coach Tom Matukewicz is 5-6 against the Salukis, where he worked as an assistant from 2001 to 2007. SIU Head Coach Nick Hill, who played quarterback under that staff, has a 5-4 edge in head-to-head matchups with Matukewicz.

The Redhawks are led offensively by first-year starting quarterback Jax Leatherwood, who has thrown for 642 yards and five touchdowns without an interception in his first three starts. Wide receiver Cam Pedro recently surpassed 1,000 career receiving yards, while safety Landon Sylvie leads the defense with 29 tackles.

Southern Illinois enters the game with one of the top defenses in the FCS, allowing just 15.7 points per game. Quarterback DJ Williams, a transfer from Murray State, has thrown for 646 yards and five touchdowns through three games.

The matchup marks SEMO’s 93rd meeting with SIU. The Redhawks are 19-20-4 all-time against the Salukis at Houck Field.

The game will stream on ESPN+ and air locally on Real Rock 99.3 FM. Live stats will be available at SEMORedhawks.com.

For tickets visit SEMO Football vs. SIU Carbondale | TicketsWest – SEMO.