The upcoming matchup between the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes and the SMU Mustangs is generating significant interest among college football bettors. This contest will take place at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, where the Hurricanes will look to assert their dominance. Miami enters this game as a 12.5-point favorite, despite a somewhat uneven track record.
Miami’s Season So Far
This season, the Hurricanes have maintained a strong record, with impressive victories over notable teams such as Notre Dame, Florida State, and South Florida. However, there are questions surrounding their schedule. Miami has played only one road game this season, which took place in Tallahassee.
- Record: 8-1 overall
- Notable wins: Notre Dame, Florida, Florida State, South Florida
- Road Games: Only one played this season
SMU’s Performance and Potential
On the other hand, the SMU Mustangs have a record of 5-3 and are 3-1 in the ACC. Although they suffered a setback last weekend against Wake Forest, their season is not over yet. They aim to secure a place in the College Football Playoff, but winning against Miami is essential for that goal.
- Record: 5-3 overall
- ACC record: 3-1
- Last game: Loss to Wake Forest
Key Stats and Matchup Insights
SMU excels in stopping the run, allowing only 93.9 yards per game (11th nationally) and 2.7 yards per carry (8th nationally). Conversely, their pass defense ranks lower, allowing 7.5 yards per pass attempt (89th nationally).
The Players to Watch
Miami quarterback Carson Beck stands out as a crucial player in this matchup. Despite a disappointing performance against Louisville, he has generally been consistent and is in the running for the Heisman Trophy.
- Carson Beck’s Passing: Expected to thrive against SMU’s pass defense.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given the current betting odds, Miami is favored to win by 12.5 points. Betting experts suggest that Miami should comfortably handle this game, given their roster strength and SMU’s struggles against the pass.
In summary, while both teams face unique challenges, Miami’s balanced offensive approach and SMU’s defensive vulnerabilities could shape the outcome of this critical ACC clash.
