Southern Illinois Salukis vs Murray State Racers Predictions

Southern Illinois vs. Murray State outlook

Southern Illinois has won six straight meetings with Murray State, including a 27-7 road victory last season. Murray State University Athletics lists the Salukis at 2-2 and the Racers at 1-3 entering Saturday’s Missouri Valley Football Conference opener, making Southern Illinois the more likely winner.

Salukis quarterback DJ Williams has 487 passing yards, 120 rushing yards and six total touchdowns through three games. Murray State has recorded seven sacks and 22 tackles for loss through four games, so its defensive front gives the Racers a way to pressure the player driving Southern Illinois’ attack.

Murray State has allowed only three sacks, tied for the fewest in the conference according to Murray State University Athletics. However, the school did not name a starter after Collin Shannon and Jim Ogle both received significant time at quarterback. That uncertainty matters against a 16.5-point spread.

Betting outlook

SPF lists Southern Illinois at -790 on the moneyline and -16.5 on the spread. The Salukis should win, but neither price is attractive without confirmed lineup information or enough current performance data to judge whether they can win comfortably on the road.

The total is 53.5 at -111 on either side. Southern Illinois lost 48-10 at Illinois in its last game, while Murray State lost 59-0 at Oklahoma State. Those games do not provide a reliable scoring comparison for this matchup, so the total is also a pass.