BYU vs. SMU football: Predictions, odds and how to watch Friday
This Friday, BYU and SMU will take to the gridiron in a college football matchup that could answer several questions concerning both teams.
BYU has a lot of holes on both sides of the ball, but they should still receive solid play from their defensive line, captained by preseason All-Big 12 pick Tyler Batty, and their quarterback Jake Retzlaff. They alone could be enough to overcome SMU.
SMU, meanwhile, will look to bounce back after nearly losing to Nevada in Week 1 as 27-point favorites. They could also start to figure out their quarterback situation. Although the Mustangs have seemed fine rolling with two QBs so far, it could actually be to their detriment as the season progresses. While both quarterbacks are talented, they bring different strengths and weaknesses to the field, forcing the offense to play differently. SMU could find themselves struggling to maintain a rhythm.
Both schools have something to prove this weekend. Here's everything to know about this Week 2 matchup.
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Predictions for BYU vs. SMU:
FOX Sports: SMU 35, BYU 19
The FOX Sports staff believes SMU has a massive advantage based on their current odds. They write, "The Mustangs have an 80.3% chance to collect the win in this game per the moneyline's implied probability. The Cougars hold a 24.2% implied probability."
Michael Briggs, Winners and Whiners: BYU (+10.5)
Briggs writes, "The Cougars' offense displayed explosiveness in week one, as Retzlaff showed off his cannon of an arm and Martin provided a spark on the ground. While the caliber of the opponent should be taken into consideration, the performance was enough of an eye-opener to predict a Cougars cover at +10.5. SMU is off to a 2-0 start but it didn't look great in week zero when it trailed 24-13 in the fourth quarter, needing a dramatic comeback to beat Nevada as 27-point spread favorites. Beating up on FCS Houston Christian last week didn't erase that result from my memory. This SMU team should have looked more comfortable against the Wolfpack, as it returns a lot of production on both sides of the football."
Casey Lundquist, Sports Illustrated: SMU 35, BYU 24
Lundquist writes, "FPI, the official predictive algorithm of ESPN, gives BYU a 21% chance to pull off the upset. For BYU, pulling off the upset needs to start on the defensive side of the football. The Mustangs will test BYU's defense in a major way. SMU currently holds a nine-game winning streak at home. In those nine games, the Mustangs are averaging an astonishing 53.9 points per game."
BYU vs. SMU odds, lines:
The SMU Mustangs are favorites to defeat BYU in Friday's matchup, according to the BetMGM college football odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering sports betting promos in 2024.
Odds as of Wednesday afternoon.
- Spread: SMU (-11.5)
- Moneylines: SMU (-450); BYU (+350)
- Over/under: 56.5
How to watch BYU vs. SMU:
When: Friday, September 6, 2024
Time: 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT
Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, TX
Cable TV: ESPN2
Streaming: ESPN+, ESPN app
Watch the game: Catch college football action with an ESPN+ subscription
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