Matchup: SMU Mustangs vs. Virginia Cavaliers
Date of Event: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Venue: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA
Broadcast: ESPN2
Betting Line/Point Spread: SMU Mustangs (-9.5)
Total Points/Over-Under: 55.5
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
The SMU Mustangs (9-1) will visit Scott Stadium on Saturday, November 23, 2024, as they prepare to challenge the Virginia Cavaliers (5-5). According to Bovada odds, Virginia is a 9.5-point underdog, with the total points set at 55.5.
This season, the Mustangs boast a strong record of 9-1. In their most recent game, they triumphed over the Boston College Eagles with a score of 38-28. The Mustangs executed 30 rushing attempts, amassing 140 yards for an average of 4.7 yards per carry. Overall, they ran 65 plays totaling 438 yards. Defensively, SMU allowed 18 completions out of 32 pass attempts, yielding 237 yards with a completion rate of 56.3%. Against the run, the Mustangs gave up 180 yards on 43 carries, averaging 4.2 yards per rush.
For the season, the Mustangs have accumulated a remarkable 4,453 total yards. In terms of scoring, they have achieved 19 touchdown passes and 24 rushing touchdowns, while turning the ball over 17 times. SMU has recorded 229 first downs but has also suffered from 78 penalties costing them 777 yards. Their ground game averages 190.9 rushing yards per game, ranking them 30th nationally. In scoring, the Mustangs are producing an impressive average of 39.9 points per game.
On defense, the Mustangs have allowed 2,496 passing yards this season, placing them 108th in Division 1. They permit 249.6 passing yards per game and have a completion rate against them of 55.5%. Overall, the Mustangs are surrendering an average of 348.6 yards per game, ranking them 50th in D-1. They have conceded 19 touchdowns through the air and 10 on the ground, allowing opponents 3.0 yards per carry and a total of 990 rushing yards over 10 games. They rank 45th in the nation for opponent scoring, allowing 22.4 points per game.
The Cavaliers enter this clash with a 5-5 record for the season. In their latest outing, they faced a tough loss against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, finishing at 35-14. Virginia completed the game with 300 total yards on 68 plays (4.4 yards per play). They managed to run for 4.0 yards per carry, totaling 128 yards across 32 rushes. However, they struggled defensively, yielding 234 rushing yards on 38 attempts, which averages out to 6.2 yards per carry. In the passing game, the Cavaliers allowed a completion percentage of 66.7%, giving up 214 yards on 22 of 33 passing attempts.
Virginia averages 388.4 total yards per game, ranking them 64th in college football. The Cavaliers have incurred 469 penalty yards from 52 infractions, contributing to their position as the 108th team in aiding the competition. Their rushing offense averages 142.2 yards per game, totaling 1,422 yards this season. They have thrown 12 interceptions and lost 5 fumbles but have achieved 201 first downs. In scoring, the Cavaliers rank 92nd in Division 1 with an average of 24.8 points per game. They have compiled 2,462 passing yards in 2023, with an average of 246.2 yards per game, which places them at 47th nationally.
Defensively, the Cavaliers allow 27.5 points per game, ranking them 86th nationally. They have conceded 1,430 rushing yards, averaging 143.0 yards per game, along with 15 rushing touchdowns this season. Overall, Virginia has allowed a total of 275 points, including 17 passing touchdowns, while relinquishing 258.0 passing yards per game, positioning them at 118th in D-1. The Cavaliers’ defense has been on the field for 685 plays, ranking them 85th in college football, with 5 fumbles and 8 interceptions recorded this season.
Who will emerge victorious in the Mustangs versus Cavaliers college football matchup against the spread?
Free Prediction: Bet on the SMU Mustangs (-10.0)
