After going 21-4 in the past two seasons, much was expected of the BYU Cougars in 2022. So, the team was looking to contend for a spot in the CFP and make their last season as an independent memorable before joining the Big 12.
Nearly every week, someone checked the BYU football score; in 2020 and 2021, the Cougars were on top.
The SMU Mustangs odds, on the other hand, under the direction of a first-year coach, were expected to finish midpack in the AAC and possibly make a return to the postseason for the first time since 2019 as their 2021 Fenway Bowl matchup was canceled.
As the season unfolded, BYU, who saw themselves ranked as high as 12th at one point, could not gain any momentum against a deceivingly difficult slate.
Kalani Sitake’s side has seemingly righted the ship as late as came into Albuquerque on a three-game winning streak, befitting from some scheduled relief.
SMU is also hot entering the contest, winning four of its last 5, including a 77-63 win over Houston in which quarterback Tanner Mordecai tossed nine touchdowns. Mordecai ended the regular season with 31 touchdown throws.
The teams will descend upon Albuquerque as one of 6 NCAAF games on the NCAAF schedule Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET. Read below as we provide all the information you’ll need to make your SMU vs. BYU betting picks.
SMU Mustangs vs. BYU Cougars
Matchup Info
Cougars and Mustangs have met three times previously, once each on both campuses and then in San Diego for the 1980 Holiday Bowl. BYU leads the series 3-0, with two games being decided by three points or less.
SMU Mustangs Performance Recap and Analysis
The SMU Mustang offense has been explosive and has gotten better as the season has progressed, given the team’s familiarity with first-year coach Rhett Lashlee, a renowned offensive mind. SMU averages 38.4 points per game and has topped the 40-point plateau six times.
Key Injuries
One major injury for the Mustangs as top receiver Rashee Rice finds himself on the list of college football injuries with a toe ailment.
Rice has caught nine balls for 1,355 yards and ten touchdowns, and his absence could significantly impact SMU’s offense and, in turn, our SMU vs. BYU betting picks.
Betting Trends to Know
- SMU is 5-7 against the number this year.
- Under is 5-1 in the last six games, where the Mustangs are favored below 3.5 points.
- Under is 5-1 in the last 6 SMU bowl games.
BYU Cougars Performance Recap and Analysis
The Cougars have thrown it 54 percent of the time. Quarterback Jaren Hall is questionable, which could have a huge impact as backup quarterback Jacob Conover has entered the portal.
Then, It is unclear who will play QB if Hall cannot go, but it will likely be freshman Cade Fennegan who has seen very little action in his college career.
Key Injuries
Cougar quarterback Jaren Hall is listed as questionable, and no official determination has been made as to his status.
He currently suffers from an ankle injury and has been limited at practice. In addition, running back Lopini Kotoa has been ruled out.
Betting Trends to Know
- BYU is just 4-8 ATS this season.
- Over is 7-1 in the last eight BYU non-conference matchups.
- BYU has covered the number in its last two after failing to do so seven times in a row.
SMU vs. BYU Odds
The latest look at NCAAF odds shows SMU as 3.5-point favorites, with the game’s total being 64 points. Mustangs are – 155, while bettors picking the Cougars will get + 128.
SMU vs. BYU Betting Picks
- Moneyline: We feel that SMU is the play here, given their explosive offense and BYU’s questions at quarterback.
- Over-Under: Despite trends telling us otherwise, we feel as though, given that this is a bowl game and playbooks will be emptied. There’ll be tons of scoring in this one, so we take the over.
- Spread: We are comfortable taking SMU here as, under a first-year coach. They should be motivated and ready to go in this game.
SMU vs. BYU Score Prediction
In making our SMU vs. BYU betting picks, we feel the final score will be SMU 44, BYU 28
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