The stage is set for renewal of SIU-SEMO War For The Wheel

Highlights

Recap

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Two years ago today, Southern Illinois pulled off one of the most dramatic, come-from-behind wins in school history, beating SEMO, 26-25, to reclaim a valuable piece of property. The Salukis are hoping for a repeat performance this Saturday night in Cape Girardeau.

The annual War For The Wheel was created back in 2018 by head coaches Nick Hill and Tom Matukewicz, who were looking to add some extra buzz to a rivalry that dates back to 1909.

“Coach Tuke and I talked about how can we make the SIU-SEMO rivalry experience better for the players, more memorable?” Hill recalled. “Part of our job is to create lifetime memories and experiences for our student-athletes and that’s what this game provides.”

The ship’s wheel has changed hands four times in seven meetings, and the contest on Sept. 16, 2023 was more than memorable, it was epic.

Trailing at halftime, 15-0, Hill famously called out starting quarterback Nic Baker. Baker responded in the second half by passing for a school-record 408 yards. His final throw was a nine-yard touchdown to Izaiah Hartrup that won the game with 11 seconds left.

A handful of current Saluki players were key contributors to the victory and have memories of the comeback etched in their minds.

Vinson Davis had 8 catches for 126 yards at SEMO in 2023.

“Going into the locker room at halftime, I remember Coach Hill giving us a speech and really putting pressure on Bake to go out there and come out on top,” recalled wide receiver Vinson Davis III, who led SIU with eight catches for 126 yards and a touchdown.

One of the key plays in the final drive was a 16-yard completion to tight end Aidan Quinn that moved the ball into the SEMO red zone down to the 13.

“On that last drive, you have nothing to lose, so cut it all loose and see what happens” said Quinn, who had six catches in the game for 85 yards. “There's no field goal, no punt here. It's four-down territory, so our focus was just one play at a time, and when the moment comes to us, be locked in and make your play.”

The defense delivered it share of heroics in the win, with safety PJ Jules leading the team with 15 tackles and safety Desman Hearns forcing a fumble that set up the game-winning drive.

LB Colin Bohanek called the 2023 win a "rollercoaster of emotions."

“Being down early, Baker coming out in the second half and just going off, getting the strip fumble at the end of the game, it was just a rollercoaster of emotions,” said linebacker Colin Bohanek, who contributed four tackles and a pass breakup. “It's definitely one of my favorite wins in college, for sure.”

SEMO reclaimed the wheel in 2024, in a game that took place a week after Saluki quarterback DJ Williams was lost for the season with a hand injury versus Incarnate Word. Davis had another huge game with nine catches for 132 yards and a TD, and has some advice for his teammates heading into this week’s rematch.

“There’s going to be a little bit more energy, a little bit more juice, knowing that the crowd is going to be into it,” Davis said. “Just stay levelheaded, knowing that there's going to be ups and downs during the game. The team that weathers the storm the best is going to win, and that's what we plan to do.”

The Salukis are playing their third-straight road game and know what to anticipate in a hostile environment.

“Don't let it get too big, don't let it get too small, and just let it be a football game,” Bohanek advised. “It's going to be a great atmosphere and fun for sure. Just embrace that and focus on our crafts. Ignore the outside noise and worry about us as a team.”

Quinn agreed.

“It may be a rivalry game, but it's still 11-on-11,” he said. “It's the stuff we've practiced for, and worked for all year. Maybe more bragging rights on this one than others, but take that part out of it and it’s still football at the end of the day.”