Check out our free Mustangs vs Cougars pick and preview for NCAAF week 1 game in Albuquerque. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this week’s NCAAF matchup.
Mustangs vs Cougars Pick & Preview: NCAAF Week 1 Betting Odds
Kickoff for this matchup between the SMU Mustangs and BYU Cougars is set for 7:30 PM ET. The game will be played in Albuquerque, NM at University Stadium with ABC carrying television coverage. The odds for this week 1 non-conference matchup have the Mustangs as the -5 point favorite on the spread. The over-under point total is currently set at 65.5.
Mustangs vs Cougars Matchup at a Glance
- Sport: NCAAF
- Teams: SMU Mustangs at BYU Cougars
- Where: Albuquerque at University Stadium
- Date: Saturday, December 17th
- Betting Odds:
- SMU -5, SMU -196 | BYU +159 O/U 65.5
Mustangs Preview:
The Mustangs take on the BYU Cougars with a American Athletic record of 5-3 while going 7-5 overall.
In their last contest, With their 65 combined points, the two teams remained below the over-under line of 69.5. In the loss, the team’s defense gave up a total of 439 yards, with 152 coming on the ground. So far, the team is ranked 174th in rush yards allowed per game. Currently, SMU is ranked 135th in passing yards allowed and is coming off a game in which they gave up 287 yards through the air.
Leading into this week’s game, look for a SMU offense to put together a strong performance. This season, the team is averaging 38.42 points per game and is generating explosive plays in the pass game at a high rate. The team will be taking on a BYU defense currently ranked just 113rd in EPA. One matchup to watch in this game, is if SMU can generate some success in the run game. So far, the team is averaging 154.92 rush yards per game and have a matchup vs a BYU defense that is vulnerable up front. In the passing game, the Mustangs will look to continue their strong play, as they are the 13th ranked team in pass yards per game at, 324.92. So far, they are 22nd in pass attempts, at 39.67 per game.
Cougars Preview:
The BYU Cougars travel to take on the SMU Mustangs in a non-conference matchup with an overall record of 7-5. So far, they have yet to play a game in the FBS Independents.
In their last game, BYU defeated Stanford 35-26, despite being the 6.5 point underdogs. The two team’s combined to score 61 points, surpassing the over-under betting line of 57.5. In the loss, the team’s defense gave up a total of 371 yards, with 53 coming on the ground. So far, the team is ranked 139th in rush yards allowed per game. Currently, BYU is ranked 93rd in passing yards allowed and is coming off a game in which they gave up 318 yards through the air.
Leading into this week’s game, look for a BYU offense to put together a strong performance. This season, the team is averaging 31.92 points per game and is generating explosive plays in the run game at a high rate. The team will be taking on a SMU defense currently ranked just 111st in EPA. One matchup to watch in this game, is if BYU can generate some success in the run game. So far, the team is averaging 173.67 rush yards per game and have a matchup vs a SMU defense that is vulnerable up front. So far, the Cougars are the 45th ranked team in pass yards per game, with an average of 266.58. This has come while throwing the ball an average of 31.67 times per contest, placing them 109th in the NCAA.
Odds & Free Betting Analysis for this NCAFF Game
In terms of betting, the Mustangs have an ATS record of 5-6-0. Their current over-under record sits at 5-6-0. Across their 5 previous road games, SMU has an ATS mark of 2-3-0. Their straight up record in these matchups was 2-3-0 while averaging 31.2 points per game.
In terms of betting, the Cougars have an ATS record of 4-7-0. Their current over-under record sits at 7-4-0. When looking at their past 5 home matchups, BYU has an ATS record of 0-5-0 while averaging 33.8 per game. The team went 2-3-0 overall in these games.
Mustangs vs Cougars Pick
Free Spread Prediction: SMU Mustangs -5
Free Spread Prediction: Under 65.5
