The No. 24 SMU Mustangs (7-1, 3-1 AAC) and Memphis Tigers (4-4, 1-3) meet Saturday at the Liberty Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET. Below, we look at the SMU vs. Memphis odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
The Mustangs were dumped 44-37 at Houston last weekend, suffering their first loss of the season. The SMU offense did its job, posting at least 31 points for the eighth consecutive outing, but the defense was trampled for a season-high 44 points.
The Tigers opened 3-0 SU/2-1 ATS, including a win over Mississippi State Sept. 18, but Memphis they are just 1-4 SU/ATS across their past five outings. The Tigers are coming off a season-low in points, scoring just one touchdown in a 24-7 loss at UCF Oct. 22.
SMU at Memphis odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 2:11 a.m. ET.
- Money line: SMU -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Memphis +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
- Against the spread (ATS): SMU -4.5 (-110) | Memphis +4.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 71.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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SMU at Memphis odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
SMU 38, Memphis 29
Money line
SMU (-190) is a little more expensive than I generally care to play on a money line, but this isn’t terribly out of line. It’s even better if you toss the Mustangs into a parlay of three or more teams.
Against the spread
SMU -4.5 (-110) is heading to the Liberty Bowl angry after getting tripped up in Houston. The Mustangs should be able to take out their frustrations on a very mediocre Tigers side, which isn’t playing very good football lately.
The Tigers have some injury issues, as RB Rodrigues Clark (undisclosed) and QB Seth Henigan (hand) are question marks. They missed the UCF game when the offense managed just 7 points. Henigan’s loss would be particularly rough as he has 16 passing touchdowns and just 4 interceptions in seven games this season. QB Peter Parrish started in Henigan’s stead and tossed 3 picks against UCF.
Over/Under
UNDER 71.5 (-112) is the lean in this one, especially if Memphis’ Henigan doesn’t play. The Under is 4-2 in the past six overall for Memphis, and 4-0 at home this season.
The Under is always a risky proposition with SMU. The Over has hit in the past two for the Mustangs as they averaged 46.0 PPG, while the defense yielded 35.0 PPG. But Memphis is driving this Under train.
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