If there was any doubt that Southern Illinois quarterback Joel Sambursky is the clutch performer in the Gateway Conference, he erased it in Saturday’s 30-23 overtime victory over Missouri State.
Sambursky, a senior from Liberty, Mo., completed 17 of 25 passes for 223 yards and three TDs. He also rushed for 40 yards. On the game-winning possession, Sambursky connected with Kellen Allen for 13 yards and with J.T. Wise for 12 on the winning touchdown.
With Sambursky under center, the Salukis have won 23 of 28 games and two Gateway titles in the last two years. They are favored again this season.
Sambursky directs a balanced offense. The crisp-blocking offensive line has helped Arkee Whitlock climb to No. 18 in school career rushing with 1,397 yards in 15 games. Whitlock, who shared time last year with current New York Giants rookie Brandon Jacobs, has averaged 6.1 yards per carry.