BROOKINGS, S.D. - Southern Illinois University's football team will not have to earn a playoff bid at the end of the regular season.

The third-ranked Salukis toppled No. 9 South Dakota State 34-15 earlier today at Coughlin-Alumni Stadium for at least a share of the Missouri Valley Football Conference championship. With the victory, SIU earned its seventh straight trip to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

SIU (8-1, 7-0 MVFC) led 34-3 with nine minutes to play, but held on to win its fourth league road game of the season.

SDSU (7-2, 6-1) entered the game with the top scoring defense in the country, but trailed 27-3 at the half. Saturday was the first time all season the Jackrabbits allowed more than 21 points.

For more on this story, please see Sunday's editions.

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