In each team’s final game of the regular season, the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (5-6) take on SMU Mustangs (8-3) at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. The match is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Tulsa vs. SMU odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
SMU is a talented side, but they’re crumbling, losing three of their last four after starting the season a perfect 7-0. UC, Memphis and Houston have all defeated SMU. However, Tulsa should be an easy challenge.
SMU thrives off their passing attack, throwing for over 305 yards per game, the 16th-best average in the NCAA. That said, they’re 6-5 against the spread and have a perfect 5-0 home record.
As for Tulsa, they’ve struggled but are also 6-5 against the spread. They’ve been able to keep games close with almost 200 rushing yards per game.
Sadly, they haven’t translated into victories. Tulsa has won two straight, and before that, lost to the No. 4-ranked UC Bearcats by just 8.
See also: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA Today Sports.
Tulsa at SMU odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:15 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Tulsa +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | SMU -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Tulsa +6.5 (-112) | SMU -6.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 62.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Tulsa at SMU odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
SMU 35, Tulsa 24
Money line
PASS on the money line.
While Tulsa has kept games close, they haven’t come out on top often. Likewise, SMU has 3 losses and aren’t good enough to hang a -230 money line wager on. The points are the way to find value here.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to SMU -6.5 (-108) as the better of the two sides. The Mustangs have been the stronger side, and that only improves when given home field advantage.
Also, SMU’s defensive strength plays to Tulsa’s offensive strength, which should bode well for the Mustangs. SMU limits the run, ranking 46th in the nation in opponents rushing yards per game.
They should be able to shut down Tulsa’s run game, which would help immensely. That said, all but one SMU victory has been by at least a touchdown.
Given that, Tulsa’s defense shouldn’t be able to stop SMU’s balanced offensive attack and the coupling of SMU’s defense to Tulsa’s offense. The Mustangs should manage a cover in this one.
Over/Under
BET on the UNDER 62.5 (-112) as the best value in this game.
SMU ranks 9th in points per game in the nation. However, they haven’t hit their 39 points per game average in three of their last four. Conference play has recently dampened their offensive prowess.
Tulsa is averaging just over 25 points per game with their strength in running the ball. Expecting to be playing from behind, passing may not result in them moving the chains often.
Also, Tulsa only has 7 turnovers on the season, so their combination of not turning the ball over and preferring the run should make for long drives. Combine that with SMU’s recent struggles, and I prefer the Under.
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