East Carolina at SMU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s East Carolina at SMU odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The East Carolina Pirates (14-15, 7-9 American) and SMU Mustangs (19-10, 10-6) meet Wednesday at Moody Coliseum in Dallas. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the East Carolina vs. SMU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Pirates slipped under .500 with losses in each of the past 3 games, and East Carolina has failed to cover each of those outings, too. The Pirates are just 3-5 straight up (SU) in the past 8 games, while going just 5-8 against the spread (ATS) in the previous 13 contests.

The Under has cashed in 4 of the past 5 games for the Pirates, and the total has gone low in an amazing 18 of the past 22 outings.

East Carolina suffered a 75-64 loss against SMU in the 1st meeting at Minges Coliseum in Greenville on Jan. 3, as the Mustangs covered as a 4-point favorite with the Over (136.5) coming through.

SMU is in a little bit of a nosedive, too. The Mustangs went to FAU on Feb. 22 looking for its 20th win, and it remains stuck on 19 victories. SMU has lost and failed to cover the past 3 outings, while going just 3-8 ATS in the past 11 games. The Under has cashed in 3 in a row for the Mustangs.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

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East Carolina at SMU odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:35 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): East Carolina +590 (bet $100 to win $590) | SMU -900 (bet $900 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: East Carolina +12.5 (-110) | SMU -12.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 141.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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East Carolina at SMU picks and predictions

Prediction

SMU 73, East Carolina 64

Moneyline

SMU (-900) will cost you nearly 10 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for a team coming in on a 3-game skid.

However, East Carolina (+590) also cannot be trusted for a potential upset bid, as the Pirates are sliding, too, and ECU suffered the 11-point loss at home to SMU in their 1st meeting.

PASS.

Against the spread

EAST CAROLINA +12.5 (-110) is a strong play catching double digits.

East Carolina has struggled lately, but it is 2-0 ATS this season as a double-digit underdog. It is 4-4 ATS in 8 road games inside the AAC this season, too.

For SMU -12.5 (-110), it has failed to cover the past 3 outings, and as a double-digit favorite the Mustangs lost outright as a 17-point favorite to UTSA last time out. SMU is 3-3-1 ATS in the past 7 games when favored by 10 or more points.

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Over/Under

UNDER 141.5 (-112) is a solid play, as both of these teams have been going low lately.

While the Over hit in the Jan. 3 meeting, a lot has changed since then. The Under is on a 3-0 run for SMU, with the offense averaging just 70.3 PPG, nearly 7 points under the team’s season average of 77.0 PPG.

For East Carolina, it has cashed the Under in 4 of the past 5 games, going for 58 or fewer points in 2 of the past 3 contests. The Pirates have been brutal on offense, going for just 68.8 PPG this season, while hitting 41.8% from the field, and 30.6% from behind the 3-point line. They’re also a poor free-throw shooting team at 69.1%, leaving a lot of points on the floor.

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SMU at Temple odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s SMU Mustangs at Temple Owls odds and lines, with college football expert picks and predictions.

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The SMU Mustangs (4-2, 2-0 American Athletic) and Temple Owls (2-5, 0-3) meet Friday at Lincoln Financial Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the SMU vs. Temple odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Southern Methodist heads into this game off back-to-back wins. The most recent of those was a cover as a -12 favorite at East Carolina Oct. 12 (31-10 win). The Mustangs have allowed just 311.3 total yards per game; that leads the AAC and ranks 19th in the nation.

The Owls have lost 4 straight and defense has been a problem in each of those setbacks. Temple has coughed up 45.8 points per game over that stretch. All 4 games were losses against the spread (ATS).

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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SMU at Temple odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:01 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: SMU -1600 (bet $1,600 to win $100) | Temple +900 (bet $100 to win $900)
  • Against the spread (ATS): SMU -21 (-110) | Temple +21 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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SMU at Temple picks and predictions

Prediction

SMU 35, Temple 17

Moneyline

AVOID; this play is drowning in juice, and the lottery ticket side (Temple) does not bring enough return for the risk.

Against the spread

Temple’s offense struggles to stay on schedule and avoid 3rd-and-long. And it lacks big-play ability. The opposite holds true for the Owl defense. And yes, that’s a toxic combination.

SMU can run adequately and is quite good in the aerial game. And its defense is better still in both areas.

The spread reflects all that and perhaps a couple points more. But Temple is a bottom-15, maybe even a bottom-5 team in FBS. The Owls are not worth an account login: PASS.

Over/Under

The Under has cashed in 9 of SMU’s last 11 games on the road.

Rain showers are in the Philly forecast, so that may slow the roll for the Mustangs passing attack. A little weather, a couple less explosive plays and SMU relying more on staying on schedule down to down is a reasonable projection.

The UNDER 54.5 (-110) has a bit of value in this contest.

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SMU at East Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s SMU at East Carolina odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The SMU Mustangs (3-2, 1-0 AAC) face the East Carolina Pirates (1-4, 0-1) Thursday. Kickoff from Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the SMU vs. East Carolina odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

SMU enters as a 12.5-point favorite with both American Athletic Conference teams having byes last week. Mustangs’ QB Preston Stone has completed 58.8% of his passes (94 of 160) for 1191 yards, 11 TDs, and 5 INTs while RB Jaylan Knighton has run for 332 yards and 2 TDs on 51 carries.

East Carolina has had a rough start to its season and a big reason for that is their struggles at the quarterback position. QB Alex Flinn has completed just 49.1% of his passes (55 of 112) for 611 yards, 1 TD, and 5 INTs. Most of the Pirates’ TDs have come on the ground (8).

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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SMU at East Carolina odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 12:13 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): SMU -450 (bet $450 to win $100) | East Carolina +333 (bet $100 to win $333)
  • Against the spread (ATS): SMU -12.5 (-110) | East Carolina +12.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 49.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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SMU at East Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

SMU 32, East Carolina 14

Moneyline

PASS.

SMU should pick up the win here, but a -450 favorite is never worth betting on. Bet on the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

BET SMU -12.5 (-110).

SMU is a much better team and I expect an offense that averages 433.8 yards per game to shred this Pirates defense. SMU does have a defense that allows 315.6 yards per game, but this East Carolina offense is not good enough to exploit that weakness. Look for Flinn to turn the ball over and have trouble completing any meaningful passes, making it easy for the Mustangs to cover.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 49.5 (-110).

Only 1 of SMU’s 5 games and only 1 of East Carolina’s 5 games this season has hit the Over number. East Carolina has a horrible defense that allows more yards per game (331.6) than the offense produces (304.2) and that will make scoring for SMU easy. However, I don’t expect the Pirates’ offense to be able to score enough to push this game to hit the Over.

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SMU at Oklahoma odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s SMU at Oklahoma odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The SMU Mustangs (1-0) are slated to take on the No. 17 Oklahoma Sooners (1-0) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the SMU vs. Oklahoma odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Mustangs defeated Louisiana Tech 38-14 in Week 1 to cover as 21-point home favorites. RB L.J. Johnson Jr. led the way with 128 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.

The Sooners opened the season with a 73-0 victory over Arkansas State to cover the 37-point spread at home in Week 1. Oklahoma tallied 642 yards of total offense as QB Dillon Gabriel completed 19-of-22 passes for 308 yards and 2 scores.

Oklahoma is the No. 17 ranked team in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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SMU at Oklahoma odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): SMU +485 (bet $100 to win $485) | Oklahoma -715 (bet $715 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): SMU +15.5 (-110) | Oklahoma -15.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 69 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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SMU at Oklahoma picks and predictions

Prediction

Oklahoma 51, SMU 24

Moneyline

Even though the Sooners (-715) should secure the win on Saturday, go ahead and AVOID the moneyline in this matchup. Backing a -715 favorite is never advised given the minimal return you’ll receive if it comes away with the victory.

Against the spread

BET OKLAHOMA -15.5 (-110).

The Sooners were dominant against Arkansas State in their season opener and the defense showed more promise than a season ago. Gabriel also looks more comfortable under center for Oklahoma, which should lead to another easy win for the Sooners in Week 2.

Over/Under

OVER 69 (-110) is the play in this contest despite it being such a high total. The Sooners shouldn’t struggle to move the ball against the Mustangs and SMU can score enough points late to hit the Over.

The Sooners hit the Over themselves in Week 1 and they could put up 50 to 60-plus points against a Mustangs defense that surrendered 35.3 points per game in 2022. SMU held Louisiana Tech to only 14 points in Week 1, but that isn’t the same competition as Oklahoma.

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SMU at Cincinnati odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s SMU at Cincinnati odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The SMU Mustangs (10-20, 5-12 AAC) go up against the Cincinnati Bearcats (19-11, 10-7) on Sunday at Fifth Third Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the SMU vs. Cincinnati odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Mustangs were blown out by Memphis 81-62 as 6.5-point home underdogs on Thursday. SMU has lost 2 consecutive games and has won only 3 of its last 10 contests.

The Bearcats haven’t played since last Sunday when they lost 76-73 to Memphis despite covering as 5.5-point road underdogs. Cincinnati has gone 5-5 in its last 10 games.

This will be their 2nd meeting. The Mustangs covered as 5-point home underdogs in the 54-52 loss and the Under hit in the 1st meeting on Jan. 14.

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SMU at Cincinnati odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:04 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): SMU +475 (bet $100 to win $475) | Cincinnati -650 (bet $650 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): SMU +11.5 (-115) | Cincinnati -11.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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SMU at Cincinnati picks and predictions

Prediction

Cincinnati 80, SMU 67

Moneyline

AVOID.

The Bearcats should be able to win with ease at home, but taking them straight up at the current odds (-650) isn’t worth the risk.

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Against the spread

CINCINNATI -11.5 (-105) feels like the right pick considering all the numbers. The Mustangs have lost by 14-plus points in each of their last 3 setbacks.

SMU is also 1-5-2 ATS in its last 8 road games, while Cincinnati is 11-1 ATS in its last 12 games following a loss.

Over/Under

OVER 145.5 (-115) is the lean in this matchup with both teams averaging a combined 147.4 points per game. SMU also allows 74.8 points per game (312th in the nation) and Cincinnati makes a solid 35.8% of its 3-point attempts (95th in the nation).

The Mustangs have hit the Over in 12 of their last 14 games following a loss, and the Bearcats are 3-0-1 to the Over in their last 4 games following an ATS win.

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Houston at SMU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Houston at SMU odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 2 Houston Cougars (23-2, 11-1 American) visit the SMU Mustangs (9-17, 4-9) on Thursday. Tip from Moody Coliseum is set for 7 p.m. (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Houston vs. SMU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Houston destroyed Tulsa 80-42 on Wednesday, covering as 28-point home favorites. It has now won 5 in a row and 9 of its last 10. The Cougars are 6-4 in their last 10 games against the spread (ATS) to improve to 16-9 ATS this season.

SMU fell to 91-89 in overtime on Sunday, covering as 6.5-point road underdogs. It has covered the spread in back-to-back games, but SMU is just 3-6-1 ATS in its previous 10 games. On this season, the Mustangs are 9-16-1 ATS.

In their first matchup this season in early January, Houston throttled SMU 87-53 covering as 20-point home favorites.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Houston at SMU odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:14 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Houston -1400 (bet $1400 to win $100) | SMU +700 (bet $100 to win $700)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Houston -15.5 (-110) | SMU +15.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 137.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Houston at SMU picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 79, SMU 62

Moneyline

PASS.

At 14 times the potential return, the moneyline is unplayable in this matchup.

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Against the spread

LEAN HOUSTON -15.5 (-110).

While 15.5 points seems like a lot, the Cougars have been playing outstanding basketball recently. They are undefeated on the road with an 8-0 record and have the best defense in college basketball, ranking 1st in both opponent points per game (55) and opponent FG percentage (35.2%).

The Cougars are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 road games, 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Thursday games, and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games against a team with a losing home record.

The favorite is also 4-1 ATS in the last 5 matchups between these 2 programs.

Over/Under

BET OVER 137.5 (-115).

The Over is 4-1 in Houston’s last 5 games and 8-2 in SMU’s last 10.

The Over is 4-0 in the Mustangs’ last 4 games following a ATS win, 4-0 in their last 4 Thursday games, 10-1 in their last 11 games following an outright loss, and 7-1 in their last 8 home games.

While Houston has a great defense, a late push from SMU rallying behind their home crowd is what is going to help the Over hit.

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Cincinnati at SMU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Cincinnati at SMU odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Cincinnati Bearcats (12-6, 3-2 AAC) battle the SMU Mustangs (6-11, 1-3) Saturday. Tip from Moody Coliseum is set for 4 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Cincinnati vs. SMU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Bearcats beat East Carolina 83-55 at home Wednesday, covering as a 10-point home favorite. Cincinnati is 12-5 against the spread (ATS) on the season. It is just 1-2 straight up at home, though. The Cats are 8-2 ATS over their last 10. Their strength is offense, ranking No. 57 in points per game (78.1).

SMU, on the other hand, lost to Tulane 97-88 at home Wednesday, failing to cover as a 4.5-point underdog. The Mustangs are just 6-11 ATS on the season and are 4-5 straight up at home. They are 0-3 ATS in their last 3 but 5-3 ATS in their last 8.

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Cincinnati at SMU odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:15 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Cincinnati -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | SMU +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Cincinnati -5.5 (-105) | SMU +5.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Cincinnati at SMU picks and predictions

Prediction

Cincinnati 78, SMU 71

Moneyline

PASS.

SMU is just 4-5 at home and has lost 3 straight (1 was at home) and 4 of its last 5. Ultimately, avoid the moneyline as Cincinnati (-250) is too pricey.

Against the spread

BET CINCINNATI -5.5 (-105).

The Mustangs are just not playing well right now, failing to cover 3 in a row. They rank outside the top 200 in field goal percentage (42.8%) and opponents’ field goal percentage (43.5%), so they don’t necessarily thrive on either end of the court.

SMU is 1-3 ATS against AAC opponents while Cincinnati is 3-2 against conference sides. The Bearcats have been rolling, covering 2 of their last 3 and 8 of their last 10.

Back CINCINNATI -5.5 (-105).

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 145.5 (-105).

SMU’s defense has not been good lately, allowing 80 or more in 3 straight. The Mustangs have gone Over in 4 straight games and have gone Over in 7 of their last 8. Their defense allows 73.5 points per game as well, which Cincinnati should be able to exploit.

Cincinnati allows 68.1 per game while scoring 78.1 per game. The Cats have are 8-9 O/U this season but should score enough to help this total go Over.

Bet OVER 145.5 (-105).

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SMU at Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s SMU at Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The SMU Mustangs (6-8, 1-0 American) battle the No. 2 Houston Cougars (14-1, 2-0) Thursday. Tip from Fertitta Center is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the SMU vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Houston beat Central Florida 71-65 Saturday, failing to cover as 15.5-point home favorites. The Cougars are 10-5 against the spread (ATS) this season and have a strong 9-1 straight up at home with their only loss coming against Alabama on Dec. 10. Houston has covered 3 of its last 4 outings and is the best defensive team in the nation, ranking No. 1 in opponents’ points per game (50.9) and opponents’ field goal percentage (33.2%).

SMU crushed Tulsa 92-67 Sunday, covering the spread as an 8-point home favorite. The Mustangs have covered 5 in a row, 3 of which came at a neutral court, pushing their season-long record to 6-8 ATS. SMU’s strength is in its defense, ranking 120th in the nation in opponents’ field goal percentage (41.7%).

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SMU at Houston odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:12 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): SMU +900 (bet $100 to win $900) | Houston -3000 (bet $3,000 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): SMU +20.5 (-115) | Houston -20.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 130.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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SMU at Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 76, SMU 59

Moneyline

PASS.

Houston (-3000) is the far better team, but it has zero value on the moneyline. SMU (+900) is 0-3 straight up on the road, so despite the juicy price tag, there is no reason to think they can compete with one of the top teams in the nation.

Against the spread

LEAN SMU +20.5 (-115).

While SMU is not one of the top teams in the AAC, Houston hasn’t proven it can cover a spread of this size against a decent opponent. They crushed Tulsa 89-50, covering as a 20-point favorite, but SMU mowed through the Golden Hurricane as well.

Houston is 1-1 ATS in conference games while SMU is 1-0 ATS. The Mustangs’ efficient defense should be able to keep this game within 21 points.

Back SMU +20.5 (-115).

Over/Under

BET OVER 130.5 (-105).

Houston is 2-0 O/U in conference play while SMU is 1-0 O/U. The Cougars are 3-0-1 O/U in their last 4 games, scoring at least 80 points in 2 of their last 3 outings as well.

They do rank 69th in field goal percentage (47.1%) and they have an efficient halfcourt attack. Their rock-solid defense has allowed 57.5 points per game over their last 2, slightly higher than their season average.

SMU has scored at least 75 in 4 of its last 5 and put up 75 on current No. 17. TCU earlier this season. Considering the recent trends for both teams, back the OVER 130.5 (-105).

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SMU at Hawaii odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s SMU at Hawaii odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The SMU Mustangs (5-7) and Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (8-3) meet in the Diamond Head Classic title game Sunday at 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the SMU at Hawaii odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

SMU, as a 12-point underdog to Utah State, beat the Aggies 77-74 Friday. The Mustangs average only 69.2 points per game (254th in the nation). They really count on their defense, which they’ll need with the Warriors having the home-court advantage.

Hawaii won 62-51 as a 2.5-point underdog against Washington State to get here. Hawaii does not have a potent offense, scoring just 69.8 PPG to rank 238th in nation. But it does boast the nation’s No. 22 defense, allowing 60.5 PPG.

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SMU at Hawaii odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:32 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): SMU +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Hawaii -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): SMU +4.5 (-105) | Hawaii -4.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

SMU at Hawaii picks and predictions

Prediction

Hawaii 66, SMU 61

Moneyline

PASS.

Hawaii (-220) should win this game, but the price is not worth the risk.

Against the spread

BET HAWAII -4.5 (-115).

While the offense of Hawaii is not great, neither is SMU’s offense. The defense of Hawaii is where the difference will be in this game. The Rainbow Warriors allow only 60.5 PPG. This will allow them to hold down the Mustangs.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 134.5 (-105).

Hawaii’s highly-ranked defense will hold SMU down enough to keep this game Under. Even in its victory over Washington State, Hawaii only managed 62 points. This game will be played in the 60’s and the number should hit. I do not see this game getting out of hand in any manner, so I like the Under 134.5 (-105) as the play.

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New Mexico Bowl: BYU vs. SMU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s BYU vs. SMU odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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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