Temple vs. SMU Prediction
Can No. 19 SMU handle its biggest test as a ranked team when the Mustangs host Temple today at 3:30PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
417 Temple vs. 418 SMU
Saturday, October 19, 2019
3:30PM ET – Gerald J. Ford Stadium
TV: ESPN2
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, SMU is the favorite in this game, as the Mustangs are getting odds of -9 points against Temple. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 59.5 points. The public betting currently has 51 percent going on Temple as the road underdog. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Mustangs still unbeaten
The Mustangs are off to a 6-0 start to the season following a 43-37 OT win over Tulsa two weeks ago. SMU is 2-0 in the American Athletic Conference, 5-1 against the spread and 6-0 with the over.
SMU has been one of the highest-scoring teams in the nation, averaging 44.2 points and 498.8 yards per game. Defensively, the Mustangs are giving up 28.3 points and 386.2 yards per contest. Shane Buechele has thrown or 1,665 yards and 12 touchdowns to lead the offense while James Proche has 45 catches for 529 yards and seven touchdowns. Xavier Jones is the team’s leading rusher with 646 yards and 12 touchdowns. Patrick Nelson has been leading the defense with 38 tackles, 5.5 sacks and one interception.
Temple a rankings contender
Temple is coming off a big 30-28 win at home last weekend for a third straight victory. The Owls are now 5-1 on the season, 2-0 in the AAC, 4-2 against the spread and 3-3 with the over/under total.
The Owls have been pretty strong on both sides of the ball. The offense is putting up 29.8 points and 447 yards per game. Defensively, Temple is giving up 19 points and 326 yards per game this year. Anthony Russo is leading the offense with 1,503 passing yards and 13 touchdowns while Re’Mahn Davis is the leading rusher with 575 yards and four scores. Jadan Blue is the top receiver with 39 catches for 479 yards and two touchdowns. Ifeanyi Maijeh is leading the defense with 35 tackles and six sacks.
College Football Betting Trends
SMU
The Mustangs are just 1-4 ATS in their last five conference games and 2-5 ATS in their last seven games in October.
Temple
The Owls are 10-4 against the spread in their last 14 road games and 37-14 ATS in their last 51 conference games.
Prediction:
Temple has won the last two against SMU and covered the spread in three straight encounters. The Owls are legit and have been able to beat some quality opponents, but their road performances have been questionable. Their lone loss was on the road, 38-22, at Buffalo. SMU has been able to put up big numbers at home and on the road, but it could be challenged by this Temple defense. Still, SMU has found a way to get to the 40-point mark in their last five games. That may be too great a scoring pace for Temple to keep pace with. The Owls have had some offensive letdowns on the road and I see more coming today.
College Football Week 8 Prediction: SMU -9
Related: Temple vs. SMU Total Prediction