Senior quarterback Joel Sambursky is reaching his peak as a clutch performer as Southern Illinois zeroes in on a third straight Gateway Conference title and trip to the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs.
The Salukis clinched a share of the title Saturday when they scored twice in the final five minutes in a 31-17 victory over Youngstown State.
Sambursky completed 17 of 26 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns, and the SIU defense blanked Youngstown in the second half to overcome a 17-7 halftime deficit.
The Salukis face a tough opponent Saturday in Northern Iowa. A year ago, Southern Illinois trailed 20-0 but rallied and won 40-36 in Carbondale. The Panthers lead the series 13-10.
Northern Iowa, Youngstown and Western Kentucky are tied at 4-2, one game behind the Salukis (7-2, 5-1) in the Gateway standings.
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Next: Saturday at Northern Iowa, 5:05 p.m.