Houston vs SMU Betting Preview
An AAC Texas rivalry is set for Saturday night when the Houston Cougars (5-3, 3-1 in AAC) visit the SMU Mustangs (4-4, 2-2). Houston is fourth in the AAC but are tied with second place UCF for the final spot in the AAC Championship game. SMU is middle of the pack and will need this win if they have any chance of getting in the op two. DraftKings Sportsbook has the opening line at SMU -1.5 and the over at 66.5 points scored.This game will air live on NFL Network.
Through eight games, Houston is scoring 33.3 points per game and are gaining 418.6 yards per game, 276.9 through the air and 141.8 on the ground. Defensively, the Cougars are averaging 31.1 points against, and 404.9 yards allowed, 256.3 passing and 148.9 rushing.
After eight games, SMU is scoring 35.6 points per game and are gaining 458.6 yards per game, 325.0 through the air and 133.6 on the ground. Defensively, the Mustangs are averaging 30.0 points against, and 421.4 yards allowed, 219.5 passing and 201.9 rushing.
Houston vs SMU Prediction
Last time out, Houston hosted South Florida and had to fight hard to win 42-27. This game was tied at 14 after the first quarter, but Houston had a big second quarter and led 28-14 at the half. USF made it a one scored game early in the third quarter, but Houston scored 14 straight points to get the double-digit win. Clayton Tune went 31/37 for 380 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions on the day. Nathaniel Dell caught nine passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Defensively, the Cougars allowed 429 total yards and did not force any USF turnovers.
SMU visited the Tulane Green Wave and left with a 45-34 win. The Mustangs had a great game as they led 14-7 after the first, 24-7 at the half, 45-20 after the third. SMU took the foot off the gas in the fourth quarter and allowed Tulsa to make this game seem closer than it really was. Two SMU passers combined to go 19/28 for 310 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions on the day. Tyler Lavine ran the ball 17 times for 72 yard and three touchdowns in the win. Defensively, SMU allowed 398 total yards and recovered two Tulsa fumbles.
Series History: Houston won the meeting last season to take a 22-13-1 series advantage.
Pick: I think Houston is the better team, though they are not having the season they hoped, and they go into Dallas and get the win.