Predictions for BYU vs Southern Utah

On Saturday afternoon, Kalani Sitake and the BYU football program host Southern Utah in the second game of a two-game home stand. The game will start at 1:00 PM local time and will be available to watch on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. Here are four predictions for BYU vs Southern Utah.

1. Another dominant defensive performance

BYU's defense will put together a second dominant performance in as many weeks. The Cougars controlled the game against Sam Houston State last week. Excluding the failed fake punt, the BYU defense allowed the Bearkats to cross the 50 yard-line only once.

Yards will be tough to come by for Southern Utah this week. It's unfair to expect another shutout, but don't be surprised if BYU keeps Southern Utah to 14 points or less.

2. Kedon Slovis breakout game

Credit: BYU Photo

Kedon Slovis scored both of BYU's touchdowns against Sam Houston State on the ground. Slovis will throw for multiple touchdowns against Southern Utah. If the over/under for Kedon Slovis passing yards was set at 240, I would take the over.

Slovis will settle in and the players around him will do their jobs. Slovis will look like the quarterback he was during Fall camp.

3. The ground game comes alive

The BYU offense won't have the element of surprise on its side against Southern Utah. The Thunderbirds run the exact same offense as BYU, so the SUU defense will know what is coming.

Expect the BYU offense to run the ball early and often against the Thunderbirds. BYU went away from the run game a little prematurely against Sam Houston State. That won't be the case on Saturday. BYU will give Aidan Robbins every chance to show what he can do with consistent carries. LJ Martin will factor in again after leading the Cougars in rushing last week. BYU will finish with 170+ rushing yards.

4. Score prediction

For years, the ire of BYU fans has been pointed in the direction of the defense. Deservedly so - the BYU defense was one of the worst in college football last season by most metrics. The script was flipped last week when the BYU offense struggled to get any momentum against Sam Houston State.

There will still be bumps in the road and a few three-and-outs, but BYU's offense will put points up on the board. The run game will open up play-action opportunities, and the receivers will help their quarterback with a few contested catches.

The defense will look a lot like it did last week. Southern Utah will have some success, but not enough to keep this game close.

BYU 41 - Southern Utah 10

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