CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The SBU Bearcats started fast, scoring on their first drive, but after that it was all Southern Illinois, as the Salukis scored the next 59 points to win 59-7.

An 18-yard pass from Steve Gachette to Charles Johnson put the Bearcats (0-4) on top early, capping a nine play, 78-yard drive that lasted just 80 seconds. Division I FCS member Southern Illinois (1-1) answered right back, when Deji Karim returned the kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown. SIU's Kyle Dougherty would add a field goal at the 7:51 mark and SIU quarterback Chris Dieker would hit Joe Allaria for a 77-yard scoring strike and SIU led 17-7 after the first quarter of action.

The Salukis would add three scores in the second quarter and led at halftime 38-7. SIU got the only touchdown in the third quarter on a 61-yard touchdown run by Karim. SIU got an early fourth quarter touchdown from Lucien Walker to lead 52-7 and added another in the fourth to win 59-7.

"Our kids came out and competed, but SIU is a much deeper and stronger team," said head coach Keith Allen. "Offensively we moved the ball well in the first quarter, but our mistakes stopped us. Though we improved on turnovers and penalties from a week ago, we can still do a better job.The offensive line held their own, but we were disappointed in the defensive effort. You could really see the caliber of athletes they have with 63 scholarships. Their depth was a real factor."

Gachette led the Bearcats, going 26 of 47 for 210 yards. Gachette was sacked four times and threw three interceptions. Johnson led the 'Cat receivers with 10 catches for 102 yards. Gachette was also the leading SBU rusher with 63 yards on 15 carries. Jarred Schumpert led the defense with nine combined tackles and one fumble recovery.

Karim rushed ten times for 210 yards and two scores for SIU. Dieker was 14 of 17 for 243 yards and two TD passes. SBU was outgained in total offense 699 to 317.

The Bearcats return home next Saturday for their first afternoon contest season when they host Kentucky Wesleyan beginning at 1:30 p.m.