FAU vs. Southern Illinois Prediction, Game Preview
FAU vs. Southern Illinois prediction and game preview for the season-opener between the Owls and the Salukis. FAU vs. Southern Illinois Game Preview
FAU vs. Southern Illinois prediction and game preview for the season-opener between the Owls and the Salukis.
FAU vs. Southern Illinois Game Preview
Broadcast Info
Date: Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET
Venue: FAU Football Stadium, Boca Raton, FL
FAU vs. Southern Illinois Storylines
The Owls suffered quite a few close losses last season, including a 20-14 overtime setback to Florida in Gainesville. But Charlie Partridge returns a boatload of starters, and there is optimism in Boca Raton that FAU could go bowling for the first time since Howard Schnellenberger led the team to the postseason in 2008.
Meanwhile, new head coach Nick Hill looks to help the Salukis bounce back from a three-win campaign last season. SIU will be switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 base defense, which will be led by linebacker Chase Allen and Minnesota transfer cornerback Craig James.
Matchup to Watch
Trey Hendrickson vs. SIU offensive line
Owls defensive end Trey Hendrickson leads a strong pass rush, as the team was tied for No. 13 in the nation in sacks per game (2.92) and had 35 on the season in 2015. Hendrickson, who was No. 2 in FBS with 13.5 sacks, had two sacks, a forced fumble and a blocked extra point in the heartbreaking loss to the Gators. He will be a chore for the Salukis to contain.
Advantages
Offense: Even. Southern Illinois has to replace quarterback Mark Iannotti, but the Salukis have some playmakers. FAU averaged only 22.5 points per game last year, but new OC Travis Trickett helped FCS Samford average 34.6 points per game in ’15.
Defense: FAU. Hendrickson and USA Today freshman All-America selection Azeez Al-Shaair are disruptive forces for the Owls.
Special Teams: Southern Illinois. Minnesota transfer Craig James could be a difference-maker in the return game for the Salukis.
Coaching: FAU. Partridge will get this team back to the postseason sooner than later, and there’s a chance it could happen this year with some better luck.
Intangibles: FAU. The Owls will be looking to notch a win knowing that road tests at Miami (FL) and Kansas State loom.
FAU vs. Southern Illinois Betting Odds
Spread: FAU -8.5
Over/Under: NA
FAU vs. Southern Illinois Prediction
It will be interesting to see what kind of production SIU gets from the quarterback position this fall following the departure of Iannotti. The Salukis have talent on the offensive side of the ball, but the Owls have a nasty pass rush that will help offset any growing pains that they have to deal with on their offensive side of the ball.
Final Score Prediction For FAU vs. Southern Illinois: FAU 30, Southern Illinois 16
