Nevada vs SMU
Nevada vs SMU Game Preview
Nevada vs SMU: How to Watch
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024
Game Time: 6:00 pm MST
Venue: Mackay Stadium
How to Watch: CBS Sports Network
2023 Records: Nevada (20-10) SMU (7-3)
Spread SMU -25 Over/Under 57 points
The 2024 college football season kicks off on Saturday with a light Week 0 schedule.
It features a key non-conference matchup between the 24th-ranked SMU Mustangs and the Nevada Wolf Pack in Reno, Nevada.
SMU, now part of the Atlantic Coast Conference after an 11-3 season in 2023, is heavily favored to win, with the odds set at 24.5 points.
The game marks the debut of Nevada’s new head coach, Jeff Choate, as the Wolf Pack seeks to improve on their disappointing 2-10 record from last year.
Former WAC rivals SMU and Nevada are set to meet in SMU’s first game as a member of the ACC.
The teams last faced off on Christmas Eve in 2009 when SMU dominated with a 45-10 victory over Nevada.
The betting line currently favors SMU at -25, with the potential for a further increase before kickoff.
Initially opening at -19.5 in May, the spread has steadily grown. Likewise, the total has risen from 53.5 to 57.
It is one talk about a baptism of fire with powerful SMU coming to play the Wolfpack at Mackay Stadium in Reno, NV.
Set to start at 8 pm ET at Mackay Stadium, this matchup revives an old rivalry tied at 3-3, with SMU winning the last two encounters.
However, in previous years, Nevada has won both home games against SMU at Mackay Stadium.
The last meeting was in the 2009 Hawaii Bowl, where SMU dominated with future NFL stars Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders.
SMU returns with a strong lineup, including junior quarterback Preston Stone, who had an impressive 2023 season with 3,197 passing yards and 28 touchdowns.
The Mustangs bring back key offensive players, contributing to last season’s average of 38.7 points per game.
SMU scored eighth in FBS last year with 38.7 points per game and is poised for success as it transitions to the ACC.
The Mustangs returned three All-AAC First-Team offensive players. They bolstered their defense with DB Isaiah Nwokobia, who led in interceptions last year, and pass rusher Elijah Roberts, who was second in sacks.
According to Marshall, with solid performances expected on offense and defense, Bruce Marshall (TGS) predicts the Mustangs will secure a four-touchdown win and comfortably cover the spread as big favorites.
Nevada’s quarterback, Brendon Lewis, also returns after a solid but challenging 2023 season, where he passed for 1,313 yards and rushed for 495 more.
SMU Mustangs:
- Preston Stone (QB): The junior quarterback is coming off a strong 2023 season with 3,197 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. Stone is expected to lead SMU’s high-powered offense, which is crucial to their success in their first ACC game.
- Jaylon Knighton (RB): Knighton rushed for 745 yards last year and is a crucial part of SMU’s balanced offensive attack. His ability to gain yards on the ground will keep Nevada’s defense on its heels.
- Isaiah Nwokobia (DB): Nwokobia led the American Athletic Conference in interceptions last season and will be a crucial figure in SMU’s secondary. His playmaking ability can shift momentum and create opportunities for the Mustangs.
- Elijah Roberts (DL): Second in the AAC in sacks last year, Roberts will be looking to disrupt Nevada’s offense and put pressure on quarterback Brendon Lewis. His pass-rushing skills are crucial for SMU’s defensive success.
Nevada Wolf Pack:
- Brendon Lewis (QB): Returning as Nevada’s starting quarterback, Lewis had 1,313 passing yards and 495 rushing yards last season. His dual-threat capability makes him a key player for Nevada, especially against a strong SMU defense.
- Sean Dollars (RB): Dollars rushed for 527 yards and six touchdowns last year. He’ll be central to Nevada’s offense in the running game and as a potential target out of the backfield.
- Jaden Smith (WR): One of the new additions to Nevada’s receiving corps, Smith is expected to impact the offense significantly. His performance could be crucial for Nevada’s ability to keep pace with SMU.
- Cortez Braham (WR): Another newcomer to the Wolf Pack’s offense, Braham is set to play a key role as a wide receiver. His contributions will be significant as Nevada looks to improve on last season’s struggles in the passing game.
These players will likely be the difference-makers in this Week 0 showdown.
Despite the odds, Choate’s team aims to make a strong start, knowing the high stakes in his first game as head coach.
The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network, and radio coverage will be available on 105.7 FM in Northern Nevada.
As both teams face their earliest season opener in history, this matchup promises to set the tone for the challenges ahead.
For Nevada, if you’re a half-glass-full type of person, you get to play on national TV audience at home, playing a formidable opponent and seeing how you match up.