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The SMU Mustangs (2-0) welcome the BYU Cougars (1-0) to Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the BYU vs. SMU odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Mustangs kicked off their season with a 29-24 win over the Nevada Wolf Pack on the road; however, they were far from covering as a 27-point favorite. SMU then took on Houston Christian, winning 59-7 and covering as a 50.5-point favorite. It is led by RB Brashard Smith, who has 175 rushing yards and 3 TDs in 2 games.
BYU has had better luck airing the ball out behind QB Jake Retzlaff, who had 348 yards and 3 TDs in the Cougars 41-13 win over Southern Illinois Saturday. BYU covered as a 16.5-point home favorite. WR Chase Roberts had 108 yards on 7 receptions against SIU.
– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports
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BYU at SMU odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:13 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): BYU +365 (bet $100 to win $365) | SMU -490 (bet $490 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): BYU +11.5 (-110) | SMU -11.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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BYU at SMU picks and predictions
Prediction
SMU 31, BYU 21
Moneyline
PASS.
SMU has come out on top in both its games so far this season and has a talented roster. It should win at home, but isn’t worth playing at almost 5 times your investment for a unit of return.
Against the spread
BET BYU +11.5 (-110).
SMU didn’t perform well against Nevada which is concerning in terms of its ability to cover against a competent opponent. The Wolf Pack held SMU to 100 rushing yards on 34 carries. BYU should be able to dominate the trenches better than Nevada as well.
Considering SMU QB Preston Stone was 17-of-30 from the pocket, he may struggle with a more aggressive defense. The Cougars blasted SIU and looked like they have a respectable offense, covering their only spread with ease.
Given the double-figure spread, back the underdog on this one and take BYU +11.5 (-110).
Over/Under
BET UNDER 55.5 (-110).
SMU gave up 24 points to Nevada, but allowed just 7 points in the 2nd half. It turned it on, outscoring the Wolf Pack 16-0 in the 4th. The Mustangs put up just 29 points, but that game still went Under.
SMU was just 6-8 O/U last season. BYU hasn’t played defense that can stop it, which it should meet in SMU for the 1st time. The jury is still out on Retzlaff as well as he had just a 50.4% completion rate last season on 125 attempts.
Expect both teams to struggle more offensively than they did last week. Take UNDER 55.5 (-110).
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