BYU Cougars (1-0) vs. SMU Mustangs (2-0)
As the NCAAF season picks up steam, the upcoming Week 2 showdown features the BYU Cougars facing off against the SMU Mustangs. The Cougars, starting the season with a win, look to continue their momentum despite a tough road record, while the Mustangs aim to capitalize on their undefeated start (2-0) at the Gerald J. Ford Stadium. With both teams setting their sights on victory, fans and bettors alike are turning their attention to this intriguing matchup. For those eyeing NCAAF picks today, the Friday night game on ESPN2 promises plenty of action and potentially profitable betting opportunities.
The BYU Cougars are tough as nails and ready to put their pervading road woes, especially in the opener which they lost their past 5 games away. A notable focus comes with specific players such as running back LJ Martin, who provided an average of five point two yards worth of two-yard rushing and a total of 67 rushing yards and a touchdown in the first game. Also, wide receiver Chase Roberts catching 8 pass attempts and making 108 receiving yards will be very important in finding a way to penetrate the SMU defense which plays well at home.
The SMU Mustangs, conversely, have been undefeated at home, winning the last nine games at the Gerald J. Fort stadium in Texas. On offensive this season, Brashard Smith, the running back who has seen action already and carries 175 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns can be singled out. In addition, tight end RJ Maryland who has graduated in the offense supplements the running with the air game with 173 yards and a TD, and thus SMU offensive line this season is worth keeping an eye on.
BYU Cougars vs. SMU Mustangs Game Info
| When: | Friday, September 6, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Gerald J. Ford Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Jake Retzlaff QB vs. Preston Stone QB
BYU Jake Retzlaff has had an impressive start to the campaign, connecting on 20 of 30 passes for 348 yards and 3 touchdowns with a 197.1 quarterback rating, which shows him as a threat in the passing game. A deep throw and a 57-yard pass will be of utmost importance against SMU’s defense, which tends to play hard. The problem, however, is keeping his head against pressure, which is especially true based on how the Cougars have recently performed in games on the road.
Preston Stone of SMU has proved his worth with a performance of 332 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and just 1 interception with a passer rating of 150.7. Because of his performance, he has also had some creativity by escaping being sacked in the first few games. Stone’s proficiency regarding the must be very critical because he would play against a BYU team that wants to spoil SMU’s game plan and cause an upset.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: SMU Mustangs -420, Total Odds: 52
The betting odds lean heavily towards SMU as the favorites, with a challenging spread for BYU at +11.5. Given the trends, the total points over 52 could be a tempting bet, especially considering BYU’s tendency for higher-scoring games in September and SMU’s offensive prowess.
BYU Cougars Betting Trends
Despite a winning start to the season, BYU’s recent betting trends highlight their struggles, particularly on the road and against strong offenses. Their 1-5 SU in the last 6 games and a 0-5 SU streak on the road underscore the challenges they face in maintaining consistency.
SMU Mustangs Betting Trends
SMU’s betting trends show a dominant home record (9-0 SU in their last 9 home games), although their ATS performance on Fridays (4-10 in the last 14 games) suggests some caution for spread bettors. Their strong performance against week 2 games, with the total going UNDER in 4 of the last 5, indicates a potentially tighter defensive game than some might anticipate.
BYU Cougars vs. SMU Mustangs 9/6/24 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ strengths and recent performances, the SMU Mustangs are more likely to win as they have played well in the last games and have a strong home game advantage. On the other hand, the +11.5 spread for BYU bet might be lower than that performed by the odds, given that BYU can score against conference teams. The total also seems to be going over due to both teams being offensive-heavy when the season first starts.
For bettors looking for additional action, exploring prop bets on key players like SMU’s Brashard Smith for anytime touchdown scorer could offer value. With both teams having potent offenses, the over bet on total points also seems promising. For those using top betting sites, ensure to compare odds for the best value on these bets.
