BYU faces a tough schedule in its second Big 12 season after winning just two conference games in 2023. For that reason, the Cougars can’t afford to drop their season opener Saturday night against FCS foe Southern Illinois in Provo, Utah.
The Salukis are looking to take down an FBS opponent for the third straight season. They’re 0-5 all time against Big 12 teams but they upset Northern Illinois and Northwestern in back-to-back seasons.
Time/TV: 7 p.m., ESPN+.
Line: None.
Series: First meeting.
Key matchup
That remains a bit of a mystery because both teams declined to name a starting quarterback. South Florida transfer Gerry Bohanon and Jake Retzlaff battled it out in BYU’s fall camp, while Hunter Simmons and Murray State transfer DJ Williams are vying to start for SIU. Retzlaff was 0-4 as the Cougars starter last season. Bohanon led Baylor to a Big 12 title and the 2022 Sugar Bowl before transferring to USF the following season. Simmons backed up Nic Backer for the Salukis a year ago, while Williams made 15 career starts at Murray State.
Players to watch
BYU: Injuries limited RB LJ Martin during fall camp, but he’s expected to play Saturday. The Cougars will need Martin at full speed to counteract SIU’s tough run defense. He is BYU’s top returning rusher after gaining 518 yards and scoring four touchdowns on 109 carries last season.
SIU: Big plays from WR Vinson Davis III could provide the spark the Salukis will need in Provo. Davis led SIU with 659 yards and three touchdowns on 54 catches last season. He also ranked second in the Missouri Valley Football Conference with 20.86 yards per kickoff return.
Facts & figures
BYU is 18-0 against current FCS teams and has not lost to a non-FBS team since 1960. FCS teams have scored more than 14 points against the Cougars just three times. … SIU ranked fourth in scoring defense (16.2 points per game) and total defense (282.3 average yards) among FCS teams last season. … BYU snagged 14 interceptions in 2023 and scored three defensive touchdowns, ranking among the top 20 FBS teams in both categories. … SIU is one of two FCS teams to beat an FBS opponent in 2022 and 2023.
