BYU vs. SIU: Prediction, Preview, Betting Odds

Posted on August 28, 2024

Week 1 of the college football season is here. Brigham Young plays Team B, and Heartland College Sports has your game prediction, preview, and betting odds ahead of the matchup.

GAME INFO

Saturday, August 31; 7:00 p.m. (CT); LaVell Edwards Stadium; Provo, Utah

TV: ESPN+

Line: BYU (-14)

Over/Under: 49.5

Records: BYU (0-0); SIU (0-0)

Last Week: N/A

Series History: First-ever matchup

Last Meeting: N/A

Fun Fact: The Southern Illinois Salukis are No. 11 in the preseason FCS coaches poll and are coming off an 8-5 campaign in 2023, which ended in the second round of the FCS Playoffs.

KEY PLAYERS

Southern Illinois Salukis

OFFENSIVE PLAYER

QB Hunter Simmons: Like their opponent, SIU carries a quarterback battle into this game and isn’t about to let anyone know who will start in Game 1. Hunter Simmon and DJ Williams are listed as co-starters, but Simmons’ name is first. Whoever gets the ball will have big shoes to fill, as The Salukis will have a new starter at quarterback for the first time since 2021. Nic Baker — SIU’s career passing leader — started each of the last 37 games for this team.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER

LB Colin Bohanek: After transferring in from Murray State in 2023, SIU linebacker Colin Bohanek came in and was named to the MVFC All-Newcomer team after starting all 12 games for the Salukis in 2023 and recording 62 tackles along the way. This year, he’ll be joined by former Murray State teammate Shug Walker, who led the Racers in tackles (78) and tackles for loss (5.5) a season ago.

BYU Cougars

OFFENSIVE PLAYER

QB Jake Retzlaff: Although listed as a co-starter alongside Gerry Bohanon, Jake Retzlaff’s name is listed first and out of alphabetical order — I choose to believe that is significant. Retzlaff started the last four games of the 2023 season for BYU and was 0-4 in those contests, completing 50.4% of his passes for three touchdowns and three interceptions, adding 116 yards and three scores on the ground. If he’s officially named the starter, Retzlaff will have to be much-improved if BYU hopes to have any chance of getting to a bowl game.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER

DE Tyler Batty: Without a doubt, the best player on the BYU defense heading into 2024 is defensive end Tyler Batty. A disruptive force off the edge, Batty is coming off the best season of his career, with 54 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles for the Cougars. With 15 sacks over four seasons, Batty looks to put a bow on a steady career and hopefully elevate the BYU defense on his way out the door.

KEY STORYLINES

SIU Salukis

Can the Salukis overcome the aura of LaVell Edwards Stadium and just play football? BYU has one of the most underrated fan bases in college football, and they’ll be rowdy for the Cougars on Saturday night. However, as one of the best teams in the FCS, the Salukis have the pieces to make this game interesting. If they can settle in and play football, there’s a good chance SIU can stick around in this one. Southern Illinois is one of two FCS teams (Sacramento State) to beat FBS opponents in each of the last two seasons and will be looking to extend that streak to three years running.

BYU Cougars

Can the Cougars find consistent offense? In 2023, BYU’s offense was downright awful at times, and their inability to run the football for the majority of the season is likely what cost them a chance to go bowling. If they want to flip the script in 2024, they’ll need to find an offensive identity and fast. Unfortunately, that will be quite the task against SIU. The Salukis boast one of the best defenses in the FCS, ranking fourth in scoring defense (16.2 ppg), fourth in total defense (282.3 ypg), fifth in run defense (94.2 ypg), sixth in sacks (3.0 per game), and seventh in turnovers gained (25).

BYU vs. SIU Betting Lines

Line: BYU (-14) | O/U: 49.5 | Moneyline: SIU +500 | ESPN Matchup Predictor: BYU (89.6%)

Kalani Sitake and the Cougars are feeling the pressure heading into the 2024 season, and if Jake Retzlaff is the answer at quarterback, then I’m a bit worried about his job security. However, BYU is tough at home, and while the Salukis aren’t your average FCS team by any stretch, I think BYU has enough of an edge to win this game. However, it won’t be without a scare for the Blue and White.