Indians Rally To Defeat Southern Illinois, 34-33

Leslie Weaver caps a 27-2 run with a 63-yard TD reception with 1:16 remaining.

Sept. 9, 2000

CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) - Leslie Weaver grabbed a 63-yard pass from Bobby Brune for a touchdown with 1:16 left as Southeast Missouri State rallied from a 31-0 deficit to beat Southern Illinois 34-33 Saturday .

The Indians (1-1), a 63-7 loser to Marshall in their opener, outscored the Salukis 27-2 in the second half after falling behind 31-7 at halftime.

Southern Illinois (0-2), who beat the Indians 43-25 a year ago, went up 21-0 on three consecutive rushing touchdowns by Tom Koutsos, who finished with 193 total yards on 35 carries.

Brune was 16-of-25 passing for 230 yards and two TDs. Weaver had five catches for 153 yards.

Southern quarterback Sherard Poteete was 10-of-21 passing for 124 yards and a TD.

Curtis Cooper, who had 116 total yards in kick returns, ran back a punt 66 yards in the third quarter to cut the Salukis' lead to 33-21 late in the third quarter. Brune then hit Charles McElroy for a 40-yard TD with 9:11 remaining and the Indians were only five points behind.