The Week 2 college football action kicks off on Friday as the BYU Cougars take on the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Last season, BYU encountered significant difficulties on the road, finishing with a 1-5 record, while SMU excelled at home with a perfect 6-0 mark. These teams previously met in the 2022 New Mexico Bowl, where BYU narrowly defeated SMU 24-23.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. The Mustangs are favored by 13 points according to the latest odds, with the over/under for the total points scored currently at 55.5, having risen from an initial 52.5. Before placing any bets on the SMU vs. BYU game, it is advisable to review predictions and betting insights from the SportsLine Projection Model.
This model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times and has successfully generated over $2,000 in profit for $100 bettors on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. Following its recommendations has proven lucrative for many.
Recently, the model has focused on the BYU vs. SMU matchup, providing its sought-after picks and predictions. Here are some key betting details for the game:
– BYU vs. SMU spread: Mustangs -13
– BYU vs. SMU over/under: 55.5 points
– BYU vs. SMU money line: Mustangs -488, Cougars +366
In terms of team performance, BYU has recorded a win on the 1H money line in four of its last nine games, while SMU has gone under the 1H total in 10 of its past 13 contests.
Reasons to consider SMU’s potential to cover the spread include junior tight end RJ Maryland, who is a dynamic playmaker. He has already accumulated nine catches for 173 yards and one touchdown this season, adding to his impressive career stats. Additionally, safety Isaiah Nwokobia stands out in the secondary with 14 tackles over two games, while junior defensive end Isaiah Smith has been effective at creating pressure with 41 total stops and 10 sacks in his career.
On the BYU side, the Cougars are keen to maintain their strong rushing game. In their season opener, they achieved 179 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore running back LJ Martin led the team with 67 rushing yards, and senior running back Hinckley Ropati added 57 yards and a touchdown. Junior receiver Keelan Marion is also contributing in the passing game, showcasing his ability to track deep passes.
For those looking to make informed bets on SMU vs. BYU, SportsLine’s model predicts a total of 69 points, indicating a lean toward the Over. The model also suggests that one side of the spread has a success rate of nearly 70%. For complete insights and model picks, visit SportsLine.