Aug 303 min read

BYU Begins Its Season in a Clash With Southern Illinois

The BYU Cougars start off their 2024 season against the Southern Illinois Salukis of the FCS at 8:00 p.m. EST on Aug. 31 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. It will mark the first-ever matchup between these two schools. The Cougars will attempt to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 campaign in which they finished 11th in the Big 12 Conference. BYU has yet to announce a starting quarterback and has no plans of doing so until game day, lending drama to the game.

The Stakes

As previously mentioned, the Cougars have a question mark at QB. This game could be pivotal for the remainder of BYU's season, depending on the outcome of the QB1 competition between Jake Retzlaff and Gerry Bohanon. Retzlaff started multiple games last season giving him the upper hand going into camp, but former Baylor and USF transfer Bohanon impressed BYU this summer. A win and great QB play could give BYU a solid blueprint for the rest of the season.

Southern Illinois is no team for BYU to scoff at. The Salukis are ranked No. 10 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and are no stranger to taking down FBS schools. Last year, the Salukis beat Northern Illinois of the Mid-America Conference. In 2022 they beat Northwestern. A win for Southern Illinois will continue its streak of beating FBS teams.

Key Players: BYU Cougars

On offense, running back LJ Martin and wide receiver Chase Roberts will be key performers for the Cougars. Martin had a breakout year last season with 518 yards and 4 touchdowns. The talented RB provides a spark to the Cougars' offense and will play a major role in them getting down the field. Roberts had himself a season in 2023 as well, racking up 573 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. No matter who is throwing him the ball in Week 1, Roberts should be a major contributor for BYU.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Cougars will look for strong performances from defensive end Tyler Batty and Weber State transfer Jack Kelly at linebacker. Batty is a star in the Cougars' defense, who tallied 27 solo tackles, 5.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in 2023. In a matchup against an FCS offensive line, Batty will provide a lot of pressure and disruption. While at Weber State, Kelly showed great talent and potential, earning the opportunity to play at the Power Four level. In 2023, he racked up 34 solo tackles, 8.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and an interception. If the Cougars get that type of production from Kelly, he could be a force in the Big 12.

Key Players: Southern Illinois Salukis

On offense, the Cougars will need to be aware of WR Vinson Davis III and tight end Aidan Quinn. Last year, Davis had 659 yards and 3 touchdowns. In 2024, he will be the top target for the Salukis once again. Quinn was also a major threat for Southern Illinois with 347 yards and 3 touchdowns. These pass catchers could be a headache for the Cougars' defense.

The Salukis' defense was a strong suit last season. Safety Ubayd Steed and LB Colin Bohanek will lead the charge against BYU after both had great seasons in 2023. Steed had 32 solo tackles, 2 interceptions and 3 passes defended last year. Bohanek is one of the best linebackers in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, garnering 46 total tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2023. Steed and Bohanek will pose formidable challenges for BYU's offensive weapons.

Trends to Watch

BYU hopes to improve this season after going 5-7 last year. A win against a tough FCS team would be a step in the right direction. This Cougars team isn't picked to be atop the Big 12 this year, but improving upon last season is the goal.

Southern Illinois is trending toward being a force in the FCS, and a win against BYU would put the college football world on notice.