Connect with us

NCAA FB

No. 20 SMU Hosts No. 18 Pittsburgh in ACC Showdown

The ACC conference rival Pittsburgh and SMU are set to renew hostilities when they meet at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.

(Photo by Getty Images) Kevin Jennings

Pittsburgh (7-0-0) at SMU (7-1-0)

  • When: Nov 2 2024, 8:00 PM
  • Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX
  • Where to watch: ACC Network

Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total

Pittsburgh (#18) @ SMU (#20)
Moneyline

Pittsburgh (#18)   +235
SMU (#20)   -285

Pittsburgh (#18) @ SMU (#20)
Point Spread

Pittsburgh (#18)   7.0 (EVEN)
SMU (#20)   -7.0 (-120)

Pittsburgh (#18) @ SMU (#20)
Total

Over   56.0 (-115)
Under   56.0 (-105)

Passing Team Leaders:
Pittsburgh: Eli Holstein 1805 Yds
SMU: Kevin Jennings 1594 Yds

Team Stats

Pittsburgh   SMU
7-0 Record 7-1
2-0 Away & Home 3-1
6-1-0 ATS 5-3-0
3-4-0 O/U 5-3-0

Last Matchup:
SMU 28-6, January 7th, 2012

Game Preview

The health of both starting quarterbacks is the focal point as No. 18 Pittsburgh visits No. 20 SMU for a Top 25 showdown in Dallas on Saturday—a game that has significant implications for bettors.

Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi announced on his radio show Wednesday that quarterback Eli Holstein has been cleared to play after sustaining an undisclosed injury in the fourth quarter of last week’s 41-13 victory over Syracuse.

"Eli Holstein is ready to go and got cleared today," Narduzzi said on 93.7 The Fan. "Eli is ready to roll. That’s excellent news."

Similarly, SMU Mustangs head coach Rhett Lashlee confirmed that quarterback Kevin Jennings is medically cleared and will start on Saturday after taking a hit to his knee during last weekend’s 28-27 overtime win against Duke. This update is crucial for bettors assessing the game’s dynamics, as the presence of both starting quarterbacks could influence point spreads and over/under totals.

Holstein, a redshirt freshman transfer from Alabama, has been impressive this season, throwing for 1,808 yards with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions over seven games. His performance is pivotal for Pittsburgh’s offense and could sway prop bets related to passing yards and touchdowns.

Backup quarterback Nate Yarnell has limited experience, appearing in three games and completing 17 of 26 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns. With Holstein back in action, the Panthers’ offense is expected to be at full strength, which might affect their ability to cover the spread.

On the SMU side, Jennings has amassed 1,594 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. His availability stabilizes the Mustangs’ offense, potentially making them a more attractive option for bettors considering the moneyline or against-the-spread wagers.

SMU’s defense is another factor to consider. Ranked 33rd nationally in total defense by allowing just 327 yards per game and tied for seventh with 12 interceptions, the Mustangs present a formidable challenge for Holstein and the Panthers. Bettors might look at the under for Pittsburgh’s team total points or consider SMU’s defense in daily fantasy lineups.

"Defensively, they’re four-down, change it up coverage-wise a little bit, but to me they’re very similar to us defensively," Narduzzi said. "I think what they do is sound—they just play hard and fast. That’s why they’ve had so much success."

Injury reports are also important for prop bets and game totals. SMU wide receiver Jake Bailey, listed as day-to-day, has recorded 19 receptions for 275 yards and one touchdown this season. His status could impact SMU’s offensive output and should be monitored by those placing bets.

Beyond the quarterback narratives, this ACC matchup is intriguing because both teams have exceeded preseason expectations. SMU was predicted to finish seventh, and Pittsburgh was slated 13th in the ACC preseason rankings. Their current Top 25 standings add value for bettors interested in conference futures or playoff odds.

Historically, SMU has dominated recent meetings, winning the last three matchups against Pittsburgh, including a 28-6 victory in the Compass Bowl on January 7, 2012. This will be Pittsburgh’s first visit to SMU, introducing new variables such as travel fatigue and home-field advantage—factors that could influence betting decisions.

As both teams aim to strengthen their standings and outperform preseason predictions, this game offers numerous betting opportunities. Stay updated on injury reports and line movements to make informed wagering decisions.

Handicappers Picks – Join for Free

NCAA Football Parlay Picks & Predictions

Final Score: SMU 31-20
Expert Pick: SMU -7 (-120) & Under 56 (-105)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $358

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Top Sportsbooks

bovada logo
75% Welcome Bonus up to $750
betonline
50% Welcome Bonus Up to $1000
mybookie
100% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000
365betting
Weekly Promotions & Much More

More in NCAA FB