GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- North Dakota forced five turnovers and rushed for 229 yards to blow past No. 24 Southern Illinois, 44-21, on Saturday afternoon from the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. 

UND (1-0, 1-0 MVFC) opened its Missouri Valley Football Conference history in strong fashion, outscoring the Salukis (1-1, 0-1 MVFC) 28-7 in the second half to turn a 16-14 halftime lead into the 44-21 victory. 

It was a good balance on the offensive side for the Fighting Hawks, amassing 347 yards of total offense. Tommy Schuster was solid in his first-career start at quarterback, throwing for 118 yards and three scores while completing 15 of his 25 passes. On the ground, Otis Weah spearheaded a mutli-faced attack with 91 yards and a score on 13 carries. Luke Skokna also added some punch with 70 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries. 

Seven-different Hawks caught a pass, led by true freshman Bo Belquist's four and a touchdown. Junior Garett Maag hauled in three catches for a team-high 40 yards while Dalton Gee and Brett Finke also grabbed scores through the air. 

It was the defense who made the biggest statement, forcing five turnovers that led to 27 of UND's 44 points. Evan Holm and Sammy Fort came down with interceptions in the second half and a trio of fumbles in the first half helped hold the vaunted Saluki rushing attack to just 90 yards on 35 carries. 

Devon Krzanowski, playing in his first Division I game after transferring from St. Cloud State, tallied two tackles for loss, forced the game's first fumble and recovered another one for a 36-yard score to put the Fighting Hawks in front, 16-7, late in the first half. Jordan Canady led all players with eight tackles. 

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