Pre-game guide for BYU vs Southern Illinois: what you should know before kickoff

We're in the homestretch of the college football offseason, and the BYU Cougars are days away from opening kickoff at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Let's just take a second to appreciate this moment, feel the anticipation and excitement of a fresh season and remember that at this time we still had hope that some magic may happen on that field this year.

For BYU, they're opening their season with a week one FCS opponent in Southern Illinois University. Neither team had a week 0 matchup, so mathematically these teams will face each other as equals when the captains are called to the center of the field for the coin toss.

The BYU Cougars are entering the season with low expectations for their second year in the Big 12 Conference. A year removed from their 5-7 inaugural season, BYU's got to prove this litter is more than a bunch of kittens and this game is the place to start.

BYU Pre-game Checklist

In the 2023 season opener against newly-promoted Sam Houston State, Kalani Sitake's crew underwhelmed in a 14-0 victory that required a Jakob Robinson goal-line interception to prevent a 7-7 contest late into the game.

That stinker was a bad omen for the rest of the season, and despite wins against Arkansas, Cincinnati, and Texas Tech, it wasn't all too surprising when BYU fell apart down the stretch. That's why the key to this season's first game will be to win--and win convincingly.

The current odds for this game sit with BYU as a 19.5 point favorite, but Sitake's team ought to hold higher aspirations than a 3-score win over the Salukis. Of course, the most important goal for this game--as is the case with any game--is to just win. Taking this "tune-up" game seriously will look good for the program and impress fans, not to mention boost morale in a locker room that could likely use it.

Pre-game Notes for the Cougars

- BYU has reportedly decided on their starting quarterback, but will continue to refrain from announcing the starter in an attempt to make SIU "prepare for both quarterbacks."
- BYU will also be giving minutes to two punters this season, as no clear starter has emerged.
- BYU is 18-0 all-time against FCS opponents and will look to improve to 19-0.

Southern Illinois Pre-Game Checklist

The Salukis of Southern Illinois aren't your average FCS program, as they're currently ranked 11th among FCS teams. Of course, being the 11th-best team in that division doesn't compare to FBS competition. Just because I make the best cookies in my neighborhood doesn't mean I'm ready to open 200 "Calvin's CooCoo Cookies" locations nationwide. It's worth noting that Southern Illinois doesn't come into this game planning to lose, though, and they'll give BYU everything they've got.

Though SIU is an FCS program, BYU could be in trouble if they overlook their week one opponent. One FBS team has already dropped a battle against an FCS school, though Montana State was favored to beat New Mexico in their week zero game.

SIU lost plenty of talent and production last season, and they'll likely take a minute to put the pieces together before making a serious upset bid.

Pre-Game Notes for the Salukis

- BYU will come into this game with a point to prove--this won't be your average FBS-FCS battle.
- SIU finished last season with an 8-5 record and endured a 4-4 conference record (it's worth noting they share a conference with the best teams in the FCS).
- A Saluki is a very fancy breed of sighthounds, and honestly I love them as a mascot.

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