TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Thanks to a late blocked punt, the Southern Illinois University football team leads Indiana State 21-0 at halftime.

The third-ranked Salukis (6-1, 5-0 Missouri Valley Football Conference) blocked a punt for the second straight game with about 2:24 to play in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Bryce Morris got the block, and Beau Hoffman picked it up at the 4-yard line before walking into the end zone for the touchdown.

Deji Karim and Paul McIntosh added rushing touchdowns in the first half for SIU, which has 118 on the ground in the first half. McIntosh has a team-best 55 yards on seven carries. Karim, the nation's leading rusher, has 49 yards on 10 carries.

McIntosh, a redshirt freshman making his first career start, completed 9-of-13 for 103 yards in the first half.

The SIU defense is down two starters because of illness. Cornerback Korey Lindsey played the opening series but hasn't returned since. Linebacker Fred Wright did not make the trip because of flu-like symptoms. Kyle Walker made the start in Wright's place. Redshirt freshman James McFadden has filled in for Lindsey.

INS (1-7, 1-4) had 30 rushing yards and 39 passing yards in the first half. Quarterback Ryan Roberts was sacked once and has minus-1 rushing yards on 10 carries.

SIU will receive the second-half kickoff.

todd.hefferman@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5087