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West Florida earns first Division I victory over Southern Illinois 34-31

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 3:09 AM

Last updated Aug 28, 2026

West Florida earns first Division I victory over Southern Illinois 34-31

Summary

West Florida achieved its first win in Division I FCS history, defeating Southern Illinois 34-31 in Pensacola, Florida, during their season opener on Thursday night. Ty'ray Davis led the Argonauts with two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown, giving West Florida a 27-9 lead before Southern Illinois attempted a comeback. The Salukis narrowed the gap with late touchdowns but were unable to clinch victory. A crucial interception by David Law-Mortimer secured the win for West Florida.

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By the Numbers

•Ty'ray Davis threw for two touchdowns and rushed for one.
•West Florida built a 27-9 lead before holding off the Salukis.
•Southern Illinois, ranked No. 16, attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter.
•David Law-Mortimer intercepted a late pass to seal the game.
•West Florida started its football program only a decade ago.

Latest Updates

3:09 AMYahoo Sports — West Florida secures first-ever DI win topping Southern Illinois 34-31

What they're saying

"
Ty'ray Davis threw for two touchdowns and ran for another and West Florida won its first-ever Division I FCS contest upsetting Southern Illinois 34-31 on Thursday night. West Florida only started playing football a decade ago, and at the Division II level won the national championship in 2019. In the season opener for both teams, the Argonauts built a 27-9 and held on against the Salukis, ranked No. 16 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25.
— Yahoo Sports

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