BYU-Southern Illinois football matchups and prediction: Cougars seeking strong start to 2024
Courtesy BYU Photo
BYU football players take the field before the Big 12 game against Texas Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.Here is Jared Lloyd’s look at the BYU-Southern Illinois matchups, including his prediction for the final score for Saturday’s game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo:
BYU offense vs. Southern Illinois defense
The Cougar quarterback competition could be a good sign with two athletes ready for any opportunity, but it could also be a bad sign with neither truly ready to be completely in control. The Salukis have established a reputation for being excellent on defense and have some good players back, so they’ll keep BYU in check longer than Cougar fans would hope.
Edge: Even
BYU defense vs. Southern Illinois offense
The Cougars went through a lot of growing pains last season as they weathered injuries and adapted to a very different scheme. This will be the first chance for BYU defenders to show how much better they are and the Saluki offense will have a tough time consistently making plays.
Edge: BYU
Coaching
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake’s teams may not have always been as impressive against FCS opponents as Cougar supporters would like, but they have always won. Southern Illinois head coach Nick Hill is an excellent coach as well, but there is only so much good coaching can do to overcome size, depth and location disadvantages.
Edge: BYU
Intangibles
The Cougars will be at home but have to make sure they don’t get complacent against an FCS opponent. If either team is sloppy with turnovers and penalties, it will make a big difference. The weather shouldn’t be a factor, although the altitude could be an issue in the fourth quarter for SIU.
Edge: BYU
Key Matchup: BYU running backs vs. Southern Illinois linebackers
The Cougars have said throughout the offseason that the run game was a priority and so it’s likely that BYU will look to have success on the ground early. LJ Martin, Hinkley Ropati, Miles Davis and Company could set the tone, but the Salukis and linebacker Colin Bohanek could flip the script if they can limit those gains and force the Cougars offense off the field.
Edge: BYU
Prediction
The Salukis will come in fired up and show that they can compete with a mighty Power 4 opponent — but only for a half. BYU will get a couple of big plays to have a small lead at halftime, but the final 30 minutes of football will be a different story. Expect the Cougar defense to force a couple of turnovers and BYU will pound away down the stretch to win by a comfortable margin.
BYU 36, Southern Illinois 13
