North Dakota State hits the second half of the 2024 season this Saturday as the Bison will head to Southern Illinois to take on a struggling Salukis team.

 

SIU, which has made the playoffs three of the last four seasons, has had a run of injuries that's tough to fathom. Nick Hill will start a true freshman at quarterback this weekend in Jake Curry after his top three quarterbacks all suffered season ending injuries. Curry was inserted into the game last week against Illinois State, throwing two interceptions in the 45-10 loss to the Redbirds.

 

SIU has lost three straight games, with the defense being the biggest issue.

 

North Dakota State heads to Carbondale on a five-game win streak, including two dominant wins to open Valley play. The Bison have won three straight in this series, including a 21-18 win at Saluki Stadium in November 2022.

 

Quarterback Cam Miller is expected to play after suffering an ankle injury late in the third quarter last week against North Dakota. Miller has started 44 straight games for the Bison after being inserted into the lineup nearly three full years ago.