Sophomore Jeff Scott rushed for three touchdowns and also scored on a 67-yard punt return to lead Mississippi to a 42-24 victory over visiting Southern Illinois on Saturday.

The Rebels (1-1) were held without an offensive touchdown in a season-opening loss to BYU, but they wasted no time getting on the board against the Salukis.

Scott scored his first two rushing touchdowns in the first four minutes and added his punt return with 9:09 left in the first quarter for a 21-0 lead. He scored only three touchdowns last season.

Scott finished with 118 yards on 16 carries for the second 100-yard game of his career. He rushed for 134 yards last season against Auburn.

The Salukis (1-1) outgained the Rebels by more than 100 yards (420-315) but were hurt by Paul McIntosh's four interceptions, two of which led to Mississippi touchdowns.

Steve Strother led the Salukis with 116 rushing yards on 10 carries.

Zack Stoudt made his first start at quarterback for the Rebels, and threw for 118 yards and a touchdown on 11-of-18 passing.

Mississippi improved to 12-1 against FCS teams since 1992, and avoided the same sort of shocking defeat it suffered in a 49-48 home loss to Jacksonville State last season.