Southern Illinois needed a win over Missouri State to stay in the playoff hunt.
With the Bears' playoffs hopes gone, they played the role of spoiler Saturday afternoon.
Missouri State (3-6) has its first winning streak of the season after a 36-28 win over Southern Illinois (4-5).
Bears head coach Dave Steckel attempted to convert on fourth down with 13:15 left in the game, with the Bears up six points.
Tight end Erik Furmanek took a direct snap, ran up the middle and was stopped for no gain and a turnover on downs.
Three plays later, Southern Illinois' D.