In Week 2 of the 2025 College Football season, the Southern Illinois Salukis travel to face the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, IN. This night game, set for 7:30 PM, will be broadcast on BTN. Purdue enters with a strong start to the season, having secured a decisive 31-0 victory over Ball State in their opening game. The Salukis are looking to bounce back from a tough 41-13 loss to BYU in Week 1. They struggled against BYU, particularly in the passing game, managing only 108 yards through the air. Southern Illinois will need to improve on both sides of the ball to compete with a Big Ten opponent like Purdue. Purdue, on the other hand, demonstrated their offensive capabilities with 340 passing yards against Ball State. Their defense held Ball State to just 87 passing yards and 13 first downs. As they prepare to host Southern Illinois, Purdue is favored with a -1250 moneyline and a spread of -19.5, suggesting confidence in a strong performance at home.
Purdue vs Southern Illinois At a Glance
- Game Time: Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7:30 PM (Night Game)
- Venue: Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, IN — Outdoor Field
- Broadcast: Available on BTN
- Purdue’s Record: 1-0 this season, with a win against Ball State
- Southern Illinois’s Record: 0-1 this season, having lost to BYU
- Game Odds: Purdue favored with a moneyline of -1250 and a spread of -19.5
Purdue Boilermakers Gear Up for the Southern Illinois Challenge
Offensive Strategy and Key Players
The Purdue Boilermakers have shown a remarkable offensive display this season, ranking 22nd in passing yards with 340. Their quarterback, Ryan Browne, has been instrumental, throwing for 311 yards and 2 touchdowns in their first game. This offensive setup could pose a significant threat to Southern Illinois.
Devin Mockobee leads the rushing attack with 59 yards and a touchdown, though Purdue’s overall rushing game ranks 98th. The Boilermakers may look to improve their ground game to complement their aerial prowess. With key players like Arhmad Branch and Michael Jackson III contributing significantly in the receiving corps, Purdue’s offense is well-rounded.
Defensive Dominance
Purdue’s defense has been a standout, currently ranking 1st in points against, allowing none in their first game. They also rank 4th in sacks with 4, putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Boilermakers’ defense will be crucial in maintaining their strong start.
Their ability to force turnovers, despite not having recorded an interception or fumble recovery yet, is supported by their strong defensive line. Purdue will need to maintain this defensive intensity to keep Southern Illinois at bay.
Injury Concerns
The Boilermakers have some injury concerns with key players like Chauncey Magwood and De’Nylon Morrissette listed as questionable. Their status remains uncertain, which could impact the team’s depth. Jon Grimmett and Marc Nave Jr. are also questionable, potentially affecting both offensive and defensive setups.
Jalil Hall is expected to miss the start of the season, adding to the list of unavailable players. Purdue will need to adapt if these players are unable to participate in upcoming games.
Upcoming Game Focus
The Boilermakers are set to host Southern Illinois at Ross-Ade Stadium. Coming off a dominant 31-0 victory against Ball State, Purdue aims to continue their winning streak. The upcoming game offers an opportunity to solidify their defensive and offensive strategies.
With a balanced approach on both sides of the ball, Purdue will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage. A strong performance could set the tone for their subsequent games against USC and Notre Dame.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU in Day Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU in Home Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS in Home Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U as Favorite: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U in Home Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
Southern Illinois Salukis Set to Challenge Their Opponents on the Road
Offensive Overview
Southern Illinois struggled offensively last season, ranking 131st in points per game with an average of just 13. Their passing game ranked 195th with 108 yards, highlighting an area in need of improvement.
On the ground, the Salukis averaged 123 rushing yards per game, placing them at 174th. First downs were also hard to come by, with the team ranking 117th, which indicates room for development in sustaining drives.
Defensive Analysis
Defensively, Southern Illinois showed potential by allowing 41 points per game, placing them 14th in this category. They recorded two sacks, ranking 44th, which shows their ability to apply some pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
However, the team did not register any interceptions, which is an area that could improve their defensive efficiency. Additionally, with no fumbles recovered, they need to work on creating turnovers.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback DJ Williams played a crucial role last season, contributing 98 passing yards in the game against BYU. However, he did not manage to throw any touchdowns, indicating a need for more impactful performances.
Running back Shaun Lester Jr. gained only 5 rushing yards in the same game, highlighting the need for a more dynamic rushing attack. Wide receiver Keontez Lewis led the receiving corps with 49 yards, showing potential to be a key target.
Performance Against BYU
In their game against BYU, Southern Illinois managed only 12 first downs compared to BYU’s 27. They also struggled in the passing game, accumulating 108 yards while allowing BYU to gain 348.
The Salukis’ rushing attack was slightly better, gaining 123 yards compared to BYU’s 183. Despite a clean sheet in fumbles, they threw one interception, which contributed to their loss.
Team Betting Trends
- Southern Illinois is 0-1 against the spread in their last game.
- The total went over in their last game, with a combined score of 54 points.
- They have lost their last regular season game by a margin of 28 points.
Purdue vs Southern Illinois Prediction: Under 51.5
Purdue heads into this game with a solid opening performance, scoring 31 points in their first game, but their defense held their opponent scoreless. Southern Illinois, on the other hand, struggled both offensively and defensively last season, ranking 131st in points for and conceding 41 points on average.
Considering Southern Illinois’ offensive struggles and Purdue’s strong defensive showing, the under appears to be the more favorable option. Purdue’s defense, which leads in sacks and ranks high in defensive metrics, should limit the scoring opportunities for the Salukis.
Expect Purdue to control the game through their defense while Southern Illinois will likely face difficulties putting points on the board. This could result in a lower-scoring affair, making the under a wise choice.
Given these factors, a projected score of Purdue 38 – Southern Illinois 10 supports the under 51.5 pick, as it keeps the total under the set line.
- Purdue vs Southern Illinois Prediction: Under 51.5
- Purdue vs Southern Illinois Score: Purdue 38 – Southern Illinois 10
