Red Wolves able to fend off Salukis

Arkansas State University running back Isaiah Azubuike tries to fend off Southern Illinois safety Mike Elbert on Saturday at Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro. The Red Wolves won 41-28. See more photos at arkansasonline.com/922siuasufb/. - Photo byJeff Gammons

JONESBORO -- It wasn't pretty. Far from it.

FCS opponent Southern Illinois gave Arkansas State University all it wanted, and then some, in Coach Blake Anderson's return to Centennial Bank Stadium on Saturday night.

The Red Wolves fended off SIU 41-28 in a game that felt much closer than what the scoreboard showed.

The Salukis (2-2) turned the ball over twice, had two turnovers on downs -- including one in their own territory and the…