The SMU Mustangs (10-2, 6-2 AAC West) and Florida Atlantic Owls (10-3, 8-1 C-USA East) square off in the Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the SMU-FAU odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
SMU vs. FAU: Three things you need to know
1. While the Owls are technically listed as the ‘away’ team, they’ll be playing on their home field on their own campus. FAU went 5-1 straight up and 4-2 against the spread at home, including 3-0 SU/ATS in the final three outings.
2. The Mustangs went 2-2 SU in their final four games, and 1-4 ATS in the final five regular-season games, although they won and covered in their season finale against Tulane, a bowl team.
3. SMU ranks ninth in the country with 495.3 total yards per game, 12th in passing yards per game (309.3) and seventh in points (43.0) per contest. Defensively, the Mustangs allowed 31.8 PPG to rank 100th in the country.
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SMU vs. FAU: Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:05 a.m. ET.
Prediction
FAU 40, SMU 36
Moneyline (ML)
FAU (+125) is listed as a short dog at home. The Owls are an attractive play because they’re on their home field, as well as the fact they’re 3-0 all-time in bowl games.
Against the Spread (ATS)
FAU (+3.5, -121) is catching three and a hook at home, making it an attractive play. While SMU (-3.5, +100) can sling it on offense, it’s poor defensively, and the Owls have plenty of talent to pile up the points. They will be playing their first game since head coach Lane Kiffin bolted for Ole Miss, but the Owls were focused in the Conference USA Championship game despite the rumors swirling, and they’ll be focused with interim coach Glenn Spencer at the helm before Willie Taggart takes over.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 69.5 (-110) is worth a roll of the dice. In SMU’s past six against non-conference teams, the Over is a perfect 6-0. The Over is 9-3 in the past 12 overall, and 6-2 in the Mustangs’ past eight as a favorite. The Over is 5-1-1 in FAU’s past seven as a dog, too.
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