Southern Illinois vs BYU Prediction College Football Picks 8/31/24

The Southern Illinois Salukis and BYU Cougars meet Saturday in week 1 college football action at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Here’s a Southern Illinois vs BYU Prediction. This article will include a Southern Illinois vs BYU Pick.

Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Preview

The Southern Illinois Salukis won 8 games last season and entered the ninth year under coach Nick Hill. Southern Illinois has won 44 games under Hill and has made the FCS playoffs in 3 of the last 4 years. Southern Illinois has two quarterback options in Hunter Simmons and Murray State transfer DJ Williams. Southern Illinois has to replace nearly all of its running back depth and top receiver, but Vinson Davis III had 54 catches last season for 3 touchdowns and Aidan Quinn averaged 12.9 yards per catch on 27 receptions.

Defensively, Ubayd Steed returns after 63 tackles, Colin Bohanek had 2.5 sacks and Desman Hearns had 1 interception. Southern Illinois is considered a top-15 FCS program and is used to playing in the playoffs. I doubt Southern Illinois is going to be intimidated in such a big season opener. 

BYU Cougars Betting Preview

The BYU Cougars are coming off a 5 win season and enter the ninth year under coach Kalani Sitake. BYU has two capable quarterbacks in Jake Retzlaff, who had 125 pass attempts last season and Baylor / USF transfer Gerry Bohanon, who has 3,400 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. LJ Martin is a star running back after averaging 4.8 yards on 109 carries, while Chase Roberts and Darius Lassiter is a receiving duo that combined for 900 yards and 9 touchdowns. The BYU offensive line returns three starters. 

Defensively, Ethan Slade returns after 60 tackles, Tyler Batty led BYU with 5.5 sacks and Jakob Robinson had 4 interceptions. BYU also picked up Weber State transfers in linebacker Jack Kelly and cornerback Marque Collins, guys who should play right away. Having a second year under defensive coordinator Jay Hill should also help. With all that said, BYU currently has the worst odds to win the Big 12. BYU will take on SMU following this game.

Why the BYU Cougars will win

• BYU has won nine of its last 10 season openers.
• BYU has covered the spread in three of its last four home openers.

Total Points Facts

• Each of BYU’s last five home openers as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.

Southern Illinois vs BYU Prediction

The BYU Cougars are obviously the better, deeper, more talented team and capable of blowing the doors off. BYU is also just 2-10 ATS in its last 12 games as a double-digit favorite. BYU has failed to cover 5 straight games as a double-digit favorite. The Southern Illinois Salukis also aren’t your typical FCS team that’s going to roll over against FBS teams, as this is a playoff contender and has made the FCS postseason in 3 of the last 4 years. This has a chance to be a competitive game Saturday night out west. Give me the Salukis and the points.