| MATCHUP | Southern Illinois Salukis | Illinois Fighting Illini |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 2-1 | 1-1 |
| Where | Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL), Champaign, IL | |
| When | Saturday, September 19, 2026 | |
| Time | 02:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | Peacock | |
The Southern Illinois Salukis and the Illinois Fighting Illini meet Saturday in college football action from Memorial Stadium Champaign. Here’s a Southern Illinois vs Illinois prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best SIU vs Illinois pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Preview
The Salukis have played three games already this year. Southern Illinois opened with an August 27 matchup versus West Florida, scoring in every quarter (while giving up points in every quarter) in a 34-31 loss. In game two versus Samford things went better for Southern Illinois, as they scored 15 points in the first half on the way to a 22-18 victory on the road.
Last weekend versus Southeast Missouri State, the Salukis went into the second half with a 13-13 tie then gave up a touchdown in the third. SEMO fought back with three touchdowns from there however, finishing off a 34-20 win. DJ Williams was 17-of-30 for 286 yards, one TD and one pick while also scoring a whopping four times on the ground with 67 yards off seven carries.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
Over on the Illinois side, they took on UAB in their first game of the season. The Illini bagged points in every quarter—but also gave up points in every quarter—in a 42-23 win at home. QB Katin Houser was 13-of-17 for 182 yards and three scores. Ca’Lil Valentine had 11 carries for 88 yards and a TD, while Collin Dixon had six catches for 70 yards and two of the TDs.
Matched up against Duke last weekend, the Illini were clinging to a 24-21 lead at halftime. Illinois was outscored 10-3 in the second half however, resulting in a 31-27 loss by game’s end. Houser went 24-of-35 for 271 yards, three scores and one pick. Valentine added 18 carries for 56 yards as lead rusher and Dixon had 11 catches for 166 yards and three scores.
Southern Illinois Salukis @ Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends: Week 3
Illinois Fighting Illini Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 3, Collin Dixon ranks T4th amongst FBS players for touchdowns (5) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Illinois ranks T121st among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (12.0).
- Illinois ranks 117th among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (182.0).
Southern Illinois vs Illinois Prediction
I might just take a stab on Southern Illinois here. The Salukis didn’t really get going until the fourth quarter in their win over SEMO last weekend, but ultimately came up with 460 yards (174 rushing) and 21 first downs. The third-down conversions (5-of-12) and three turnovers hurt the cause, but the defense bagged four interceptions on the other side to help secure the victory. This matchup will be a lot harder, but I think the Salukis may be able to get in there.
As for Illinios, they came up with 382 total yards (111 rushing) and 5.6 yards per play alongside 23 first downs in the loss to Duke. the 5-of-12 success rate on third downs didn’t help matters, though. The defense held Duke to just 2-of-9 on third downs but didn’t get any takeaways either. This is a good matchup to bounce back on; Illinois should be in control.