Live coverage: See what happens as BYU takes on Southern Illinois

The Deseret News is providing live coverage of Saturday’s game between BYU and Southern Illinois. Check back for updates throughout the game.

Third quarter

11:19 — LJ Martin is officially back.

Last year’s freshman sensation opened the second half scoring with a 7-yard touchdown grab out of the backfield to cap off a seven play, 75-yard series. BYU 24, Southern Illinois 6.

The Cougars quickly arrived in the red zone thanks to a 52-yard reception by Keelan Marion, who beat out three nearby defenders to haul in Jake Retzlaff’s pass.

Halftime

BYU 17, Southern Illinois 6

So far, so good for Jake Retzlaff.

BYU’s new starting quarterback has opened the night 10 of 17 in passing for 188 yards and a touchdown, recording a 171.1 passer rating and leading three scoring drives as the Cougars lead 17-6.

Retzlaff’s unit has gained 278 total yards to just 108 for Southern Illinois, averaging 7.3 yards per play and winning the clock battle with nearly 19 minutes of possession in the half.

Chase Roberts led all players with five catches for 69 yards, while Hinckley Ropati logged 11 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown.

BYU will receive the second half kickoff, where Retzlaff, Roberts, Ropati and the rest of the Cougars will look to augment their offensive output.

Second quarter

BYU 17, Southern Illinois 6

0:00 — Will Ferrin’s second field goal attempt of the night is successful, connecting from a career-best 50 yards out to add another three points to the Cougars’ lead. BYU 17, Southern Illinois 6.

0:46 — Southern Illinois found its first points of the day on a 4-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback DJ Williams, but the extra point was no good. BYU 14, Southern Illinois 6.

The Salukis drove 70 yards on eight plays, though a 43-yard pass downfield on third down was ruled complete despite replays appearing to show the ball hit the ground.

9:26 — Will Ferrin missed a 36-yard field goal try that would have put BYU up by three scores.

First quarter

BYU 14, Southern Illinois 0

0:00 — It’s been all BYU so far, with the Cougars leading by two scores and smothering Southern Illinois defensively.

Jake Retzlaff and company racked up 136 total yards in the first 15 minutes of action, with 105 yards coming through the air.

BYU’s defense held the Salukis to just 32 first quarter yards, with Isaiah Bagnah picking up a sack and both Isaiah Glasker and Cho Bryant-Strother adding tackles for loss as well.

1:56 — Jake Retzlaff has started to show why BYU chose him as its starting quarterback.

The Cougars added to their lead on a deep 57-yard touchdown connection from Retzlaff to Jojo Phillips. BYU 14, Southern Illinois 0.

Retzlaff dropped back, faking a handoff to Hinckley Ropati before launching a beautiful deep ball to Phillips, who beat soft single coverage to make the catch for his first career touchdown.

6:16 — BYU’s first touchdown of the season came courtesy of running back Hinckley Ropati, who plunged into the end zone on a 1-yard carry to cap a 13-play, 65-yard drive for the Cougars. BYU 7, Southern Illinois 0.

Quarterback Jake Retzlaff completed 3 of 4 passes on the drive for 24 yards, running twice for eight yards as well. BYU even converted two fourth down tries en route to finding the scoreboard.

Ropati’s score marked his first touchdown since Nov. 26, 2022 against Stanford.

How to watch the game

BYU’s season opener against Southern Illinois will be streamed on ESPN+ and requires a subscription.

Pregame prep

Here are a few stories to get you ready for BYU’s game against Southern Illinois.