SMU Mustangs (4-2) vs. Temple Owls (2-5)
The college football season continues its thrilling course with the SMU Mustangs gearing up to take on the Temple Owls this Friday. The latest NCAAF picks indicate a fascinating matchup ahead. The Mustangs, with a respectable 4-2 record, will aim to solidify their winning streak. In contrast, the Owls, with a 2-5 standing, are desperately seeking a revival after a shaky start to the season.
The Mustangs are showcasing a strong offensive arsenal this season, particularly with Jaylan Knighton in the backfield. With 358 rushing yards and an impressive average of 5.8 yards per rush attempt, Knighton has emerged as a significant threat. Additionally, Jordan Kerley, with 223 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, has displayed his capability of splitting any secondary.
On the other hand, the Temple Owls are relying heavily on their wide receiver, Amad Anderson Jr. With 394 receiving yards and a touchdown to his name, Anderson is a focal point of their offensive strategy. Joquez Smith, their running back, has amassed 280 rushing yards, further underlining Temple’s offensive strength.
SMU Mustangs vs. Temple Owls Game Info
| When: | Friday, October 20, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Lincoln Financial Field |
| TV: | ESP2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Preston Stone QB vs. E.J. Warner QB
Preston Stone, the central figure for the SMU Mustangs, has truly left an indelible mark this season. With 1467 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and a 137.6 passer rating, Stone has showcased his caliber as a premier college quarterback. His yards-per-pass average of 7.4 signifies his ability to go deep and take risks, a trait that can either cement the Mustangs’ dominance or expose them to interceptions. However, a potential area of concern remains. Stone has been sacked 8 times this season, losing 44 yards in the process. His ability to withstand the pressure, make quick decisions in the pocket, and avoid getting sacked will be crucial, especially against the Owls’ defensive lineup.
On the other end of the spectrum, E.J. Warner of the Temple Owls, while displaying commendable stats, has a challenging task ahead. Accumulating 1741 passing yards and a completion percentage of 56.5%, Warner has proven to be a dependable quarterback for the Owls. His longest pass has been 46 yards, indicating his proficiency in connecting with his receivers for mid-range throws. However, with 5 interceptions to his name this season, Warner needs to be cautious with his decision-making, especially when pressured. Being sacked 5 times with a loss of 50 yards suggests that Warner might need to display added resilience and agility against the Mustangs’ defensive front.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: SMU Mustangs -1100, Total Odds: 55.5
The Mustangs are heavy favorites, evidenced by their -1100 moneyline. With a 19.5 point spread in favor of SMU, bettors will be weighing the potential of the Mustangs maintaining their winning rhythm against the Owls’ resilience.
SMU Mustangs Betting Trends
The Mustangs come into this matchup with a 3-6 record against the spread in their last 9 games. Historically, the total has gone UNDER in 7 of their last 8 matchups and 9 of their last 11 road games, suggesting a pattern of defense-heavy contests. Their 5-1 SU record against teams in the American Athletic Conference conference signals a dominance within their division.
Temple Owls Betting Trends
The Owls have faced a tough time recently, with a 1-6 record ATS in their last 7 games. They’ve also lost 5 of their last 6 games straight up. Intriguingly, the total has gone OVER in their last 5 matchups against the Mustangs, implying the potential for a high-scoring game.
SMU Mustangs vs. Temple Owls 10/20/23 Betting Picks
Considering the form and past records, the SMU Mustangs are poised as the favorable pick. Their offensive strength, coupled with consistent performances, makes them a likely victor. However, Temple’s desperation for a win might bring about some unexpected moments. For those exploring the best sportsbooks, the Mustangs to cover the spread is a potential bet to consider, along with leaning towards the OVER on total points.
Free Pick and Prediction: SMU Mustangs 38, Temple Owls 20
