Karim’s long run helps lift Southern Illinois past Western Illinois 30-10

Southern Illinois defeats Western Illinois 30-10

MACOMB, Ill. — Deji Karim’s 92-yard touchdown run less than three minutes into the game helped ignite Southern Illinois to a 30-10 victory over Western Illinois in Missouri Valley Football Conference play on Saturday.

Karim, who finished with 157 yards on 18 carries, added a 3-yard TD run later in the first quarter, and Chris Dieker threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to John Goode for the Salukis (3-1, 2-0). Kyle Dougherty added three field goals for the winners.

Dre Gibbs ran for 84 yards and a touchdown for the Leathernecks (1-3, 0-1). It was Western’s first game since Don Patterson stepped down as head coach for health reasons. Assistant Mark Hendrickson took his place.