An exciting American Athletic Conference showdown is set for Saturday, November 14, 2020, when the #19 SMU Mustangs (7-1, 4-1) visit the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (3-1, 3-0). Tulsa sit in second place in the AAC and SMU occupy the third spot, with both teams trailing the 6-0, 4-0, Cincinnati Bearcats. This game will air live on ESPN2 at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Through eight games, the SMU offense has been rolling as they are averaging 40.5 points per game and 526.3 yards per game, 333.3 through the air and 193.0 on the ground. RB Ulysses Bentley IV leads the team with 774 yards and 10 touchdowns, and Rashee Rice leads the team with 39 receptions for 580 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, the Mustangs are allowing 28.6 points and 409.3 yards, 220.1 passing and 189.1 rushing.
Four games into their season, the Tulsa offense is averaging 29.3 points per game and 401.3 yards per game, 231.5 through the air and 169.8 on the ground. Deneric Prince leads Tulsa with 279 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and Keylon Stokes leads the way with 20 receptions for 306 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Golden Hurricanes are allowing 21.3 points and 375.0 yards, 246.5 passing and 128.5 rushing.
Below is my pick for the #19 SMU Mustangs at the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes. All odds are from PointsBet Sportsbook.
#19 SMU Mustangs at Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (-2.5): O/U 63.5 (-110/-110)
Last time out, the SMU Mustangs overcame a poor start at Temple and came away with a 47-23 win. Temple led this game 13-10 at the half, but SMU scored 37 of the final 47 points in the second half to come away with a comfortable win. QB Shane Buechele was brilliant again as he went 24/35 for 355 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Tyler Page and Kylen Granson combined for 15 receptions for 280 yards and three touchdowns.
Tulsa last played on October 30th when they came away with a tight 34-30 home win over the East Carolina Pirates. East Carolina led 17-3 at the half, and 30-27 with under five minutes to go in the game, but a T.K. Wilkerson one-yard touchdown run gave Tulsa the win with under 30 seconds left in the game. QB Zach Smith went 19/37 for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. T.K. Wilkerson had 18 carries for 89 yards and two touchdowns on the night. The Tulsa defense allowed 456 total yards and forced three Pirates turnovers, one interception and two fumble recoveries.
Series History: SMU won the meeting last season and now lead the all-time series 15-11.
CFB Predictions: Give me SMU +2.5 on the road.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 28-21