In this article we will formulate a SMU vs Stanford prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 11th at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 7 matchup.
SMU Mustangs Betting Preview
The SMU Mustangs are 3-2 (1-0) this season after they defeated Syracuse by a score of 31-18 in their last game. SMU led 24-3 at halftime, but did allow 15 points in the fourth quarter to lose the cover. The Mustangs were out gained by a total of 389-371, went 5-12 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 3-1 in the game. Kevin Jennings went 29-35 for 285 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception, while TJ Harden rushed 16 times for 67 yards. Romello Brinson led the SMU receivers with seven receptions for 71 yards in the win. The SMU defense recorded two sacks and five tackles for loss in the game.
Prior to that win, SMU lost to TCU, beat Missouri State, lost to Baylor, and beat East Texas A&M. The Mustangs are averaging 38.8 points per game with 284.0 passing yards and 128.0 rushing yards per game, while they are allowing 24.8 points against per game this season. Kevin Jennings has completed 71.4% of his passes for 1,411 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while Romello Brinson has 26 receptions for 436 yards and three scores. TJ Harden has led the rushing attack with 376 yards and five touchdowns on 73 carries this season.
Stanford Cardinal Betting Preview
The Stanford Cardinal are 2-3 (1-1) this year after they defeated San Jose State by a score of 30-29 in their last game. Stanford trailed 26-14 in the third quarter, but they scored a touchdown with 19 seconds left to steal the victory. The Cardinal were out gained by a total of 524-481, went 3-13 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at one in the game. Ben Gulbranson went 29-43 for 444 yards and two touchdowns, while Cole Tabb rushed 12 times for 48 yards and one score. CJ Williams led the receivers with 11 receptions for 130 yards in the game. The Stanford defense recorded zero sacks and three tackles for loss in the victory.
Prior to that win, Stanford lost to Virginia, defeated Boston College, lost to BYU, and lost to Hawaii. The Cardinal are averaging 20.6 points per game with 233.4 passing yards and 96.2 rushing yards per game, while they are allowing 29.4 points against per game this season. Ben Gulbranson has completed 60.3% of his passes for 1,167 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions, while Bryce Farrell has 18 receptions for 346 yards and one touchdown. Micah Ford has led the rushing attack with 347 yards and three scores on 75 carries this year.
Why the SMU Mustangs will win
- SMU has won each of its last 11 games against conference opponents at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
- Stanford has lost each of its last eight road games.
- Stanford has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight road games.
- The home team has covered the spread in five of Stanford’s last six games.
- SMU has won the first quarter in eight of its last nine games against conference opponents at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
- SMU has won the first half in each of its last nine games against conference opponents at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
Total Points Facts
- Six of SMU’s last seven games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Four of Stanford’s last five games against conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- SMU ranks 136th among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (323.4).
- SMU has had a lower time of possession than its opponents in each of its last 14 games – longest active streak in the FBS.
- Stanford ranks 135th among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (315.0).
- Stanford ranks T127th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game this season (2.6).
SMU vs Stanford Prediction
SMU comes into this matchup after a nice win over Syracuse last week, but they have not been very impressive to start this year. The Mustangs have struggled on defense at times and they allowed Syracuse and Missouri State to hang around. Stanford has won two of their last three games, but their defense is awful, as they have allowed 29, 48, 20, and 27 in their last four games. We have seen the Stanford offense show improvement, but I don’t love Gulbranson under center. Take SMU to run away with this game in the second half for the cover.
David Racey is 58-44 (57%) in College Football this season and is one of the top College Football Handicappers on the site. Click here for his premium plays for the week!