Southern Illinois
Salukis
2-2
Spread
-17.5
NCAAF Predictions
Southern Illinois Salukis vs Murray State Racers Predictions
Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 7:00pm EST
@
Murray State
Racers
1-3
Spread
+17.5
50%
50%
Spread
Southern Illinois Salukis -17.5
Murray State Racers +17.5
Moneyline
Southern Illinois Salukis -820
Murray State Racers +520
Total
Over 53.5 (+109)
Under 53.5 (-136)
Professional Picks
2 listed
Professional Picks On This Game
Danny Soros
Spread pick
Elijah Murtah
Spread pick
Southern Illinois vs. Murray State Prediction: Salukis Likely Winner, but Pass at -820
Analysis updated September 26, 2026 at 8:47 AM CDT
DJ Williams’ passing and rushing production gives Southern Illinois an edge in the MVFC opener, but the available evidence does not support a wager at SPF’s prices.
Southern Illinois has the quarterback edge
Southern Illinois quarterback DJ Williams has 487 passing yards, 120 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns through three games, according to Murray State University Athletics. His ability to run gives the 2-2 Salukis an advantage over a 1-3 Murray State team that has split significant quarterback snaps between Collin Shannon and Jim Ogle.
Southern Illinois also won 27-7 at Murray State last season and leads the series 13-10-2. Those results help make the Salukis the likely winner, but SPF’s -820 moneyline offers little return for that advantage.
Why the spread and total are passes
Murray State’s offensive line has allowed three sacks in four games, tied for the fewest in the MVFC. Its defense has produced 22 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Those numbers give the Racers a possible way to slow the game and make Southern Illinois -17.5 difficult to back without stronger evidence about how the teams match up.
Both teams are coming off heavy losses to FBS opponents: Southern Illinois fell 48-10 at Illinois, while Murray State lost 59-0 at Oklahoma State. Those results do not establish a dependable scoring range for this FCS matchup, and no official injury or availability update was reported. Pass on the spread and the 53.5 total.
Pick
Southern Illinois Salukis
Confidence
low
Betting lean
Pass