The BYU Cougars (7-5) meet the SMU Mustangs (7-5) in the New Mexico Bowl on Saturday at University Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the BYU vs. SMU odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Cougars defeated Stanford 35-26 in its final game of the regular season to cover as 6.5-point favorites on the road. BYU ended the regular season on a 3-game winning streak.
The Mustangs took down Memphis 34-31 in its final regular-season game, bt did not cover as 4-point favorites at home. SMU won 4 of its last 5 games in the regular season, so both teams are hot entering Saturday’s bowl game.
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BYU vs. SMU odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:54 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): BYU +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | SMU -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): BYU +3.5 (-110) | SMU -3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 64 (O: -111 | U: -109)
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BYU vs. SMU picks and predictions
Prediction
BYU 38, SMU 31
Moneyline
Even though they are considered the underdogs in this contest, BYU (+150) is an enticing bet at plus odds. QB Jaren Hall could miss the game for the Cougars, but I’d still side with BYU to secure the victory, though, I’d be a little less confident if he’s inactive.
Against the spread
Taking the Cougars to win, BYU +3.5 (-110) is the ideal choice as a little insurance. While it would be nice to see the Cougars win to hit the moneyline, we only need them to keep the game within a field goal to cover the spread.
The Mustangs are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS loss and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against a team not aligned with a conference.
Over/Under
OVER 64 (-111) is a fun wager in this game as we should get a high-scoring, back-and-forth game between these teams. Both of these teams can score points with ease even if Hall isn’t under center for the Cougars.
BYU is 7-1 to the Over in its last 8 non-conference games and the Cougars have hit the Over in 4 of their last 5 games following a win.
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