BYU Cougars (1-0) vs. SMU Mustangs (2-0)
September 6, 2024 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: SMU Mustangs -11.5 / BYU Cougars +11.5; Over/Under: 54.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The BYU Cougars and SMU Mustangs meet Friday in week 2 college football action at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Here’s a SMU vs BYU Prediction. This article will include an SMU vs BYU Pick.
BYU Cougars Betting Preview
The BYU Cougars rocked Southern Illinois in their opener and play Wyoming and Kansas State next. BYU looks to start 2-0 for a fifth straight season. Jake Retzlaff is completing 66.7 percent of his passes for 348 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Chase Roberts and Jodo Phillips have combined for 178 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Keelan Marion has 3 receptions.
The BYU Cougars ground game is averaging 179 yards per contest, and LJ Martin leads the way with 67 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, BYU is allowing 13 points and 231 yards per game. Jack Kelly leads the BYU Cougars with 5 tackles, John Nelson has 1 sack and Jakob Robinson has 1 interception.
SMU Mustangs Betting Preview
The SMU Mustangs beat Nevada and Houston Christian already and play TCU and Florida State next. SMU has a chance to start 3-0 for the first time since 2021. Preston Stone is completing 59 percent of his passes for 332 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. RJ Maryland and Jake Bailey have combined for 232 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Key’Shawn Smith has 2 receptions.
The SMU Mustangs ground game is averaging 234.5 yards per contest, and Brashard Smith leads the way with 175 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, SMU is allowing 15.5 points and 227.5 yards per game. Isaiah Nwokobia leads the SMU Mustangs with 14 tackles, Isaiah Smith has 2 sacks and Kori Roberson Jr. has 1 interception.
Why the SMU Mustangs will win
- SMU has won each of its last 10 home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- BYU has lost each of its last five road games.
- SMU has covered the spread in each of its last four games at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
- BYU has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- SMU has won the first quarter in 10 of its last 12 home games against non-conference opponents.
- SMU has won the first half in 10 of its last 11 home games against non-conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of BYU’s last six road games against non-conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Six of SMU’s last seven September games as a home favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- SMU ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- SMU ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage this season (1.000).
- BYU ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- BYU ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
SMU vs BYU Prediction
BYU still has questions on both sides of the ball that can’t be figured out when playing Southern Illinois. Until then, I can understand why SMU is a massive favorite at home. However, this is the same SMU team that nearly lost outright opening week to Nevada as 27-point favorites. I’m just not running to the window to lay double-digit chalk after seeing that.
Jake Retzlaff is coming off the best game of his career, for what that’s worth, and Martin is a stud running back who could give SMU some trouble. BYU is also 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games as double-digit underdogs. I’m just not completely sold on SMU at these numbers. Give me BYU and the points.
