Chase Mason scores 5 TDs, and South Dakota State cruises past Southern Illinois 52-16

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- — Chase Mason threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for two more scores as South Dakota State beat Southern Illinois 52-16 on Saturday.

The Jackrabbits (9-2, 6-1 Missouri Valley Football Conference), ranked No. 4 in the Stats Perform poll, scored on their first three possessions to build a 21-0 lead.

Mason opened the scoring with a 12-yard touchdown run before connecting with Lofton O’Groske for an 89-yard touchdown. He added a 4-yard touchdown pass to Brayden Delahoyde early in the second quarter.

Southern Illinois (5-6, 3-4) got on the board with DJ Williams’ 25-yard touchdown pass to Tae Marrero Jr., but South Dakota State took a 24-7 lead into halftime.

The Salukis cut it to 24-10 on a 30-yard field goal early in the third quarter before Mason answered with a 1-yard touchdown run. He added a touchdown pass to Sammy Dresie early in the fourth to make it 38-10.

James Basinger scored on a 3-yard run, and Josh Holst later connected with Ramon McKinney Jr. for a 36-yard touchdown.

O’Groske finished with four catches for 125 yards. South Dakota State totaled 628 yards, including 436 through the air and 192 on the ground.

Williams threw for 189 yards and a touchdown for Southern Illinois, which was held to 40 yards rushing.

Up next

South Dakota State: Hosts Indiana State next Saturday to close out the regular season.

Southern Illinois: At North Dakota next Saturday for a regular-season finale.

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