As we dive into Week 2 of the 2024 college football season, the match-up between the BYU Cougars and the SMU Mustangs is not to be missed. The BYU Cougars, coming into this game with a 0-1 record, are eager to notch their first victory, while the SMU Mustangs hold a promising 1-0 record and look to maintain their winning momentum. Playing at the Gerald J. Ford Stadium this Friday evening, both teams will showcase their strengths and strategies. For those interested in today’s free college football tips, this clash offers plenty of insights into both teams’ capabilities.
BYU Cougars vs. SMU Mustangs 9/6/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Friday, September 6, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Gerald J. Ford Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
BYU Cougars (0-1) vs. SMU Mustangs (1-0)
The BYU Cougars, who started this game on a rough footing, have had their share of promising players on the field. While it comes to rushing and receiving, LJ Martin has been within that for the Cougars. In the previous outing, Martin rushed for 67 yards on 13 carries, which gave him a ‘good’ 5.2 rush average. The Cougars will need him to be able to run the football, especially against the likes of SMU. As for Chase Roberts, he has become one of the deserving players, making 7 catches for 108 yards. He can impact in that regard with a 15.4 yards per reception rate. Coming to the Western Illinois vs Indiana game today as a comparison, BYU will need their offensive cardinals to run similar plays to get their first win of the season.
On the opposing end, it is observed that the SMU Mustangs have had effective offense, mainly through rushing and receiving core. For instance, Brashard Smith managed to amass 175 rushing yards with an astounding average of 8.8 yards per carry, demonstrating the strength of the Mustangs on the ground. He scored three touchdown passes due to his skill in locating weak spots within the defense system and exploiting them effectively. Besides, RJ Maryland performed well as a wider receiver and pulled off 173 receiving yards, averaging 19.2 yards per reception. His stakeholder management skills supersede those of demi-players, but it is fun watching them in SMU, relative to today’s competition, Duke vs Northwestern, with a lot more offense.
Jake Retzlaff QB vs. Preston Stone QB
Jared Retzlaff, the quarterback of the BYU Cougars, has shown his potential, although he did participate in the first-team loss. Retzlaff was accurate, passing the ball, completing 66.7% of the passes, throwing for 348 passing yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions to his stats. He has some good arm strength and poise, and he can make essential throws when required, which makes him different from most. Still, his weakness while feeling the weight of extra defenders, best illustrated by the two sacks and lost yardage, will cause concern should the opposition take the fight to him.
On the other hand, Junior SMU quarterback Preston Stone made his mark at the start of the different seasons. Stone has shown his capability to help the Mustangs and recorded 332 passing yards. His numerical figures are impressive as he completed 59% of passes attempted, throwing 3 touchdowns. He may be too prone to throw incompletions and interceptions, at least with the record of one, due to a weak point. Roughly speaking, he was not sacked at all, which indicates he is quick on his feet and reasonably clever in his decision-making. An excellent positive competition is waiting to test Stone’s capability against BYU.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: SMU -10.5, Total Odds: 56.5 Over/Under
The latest betting odds show that the SMU Mustangs will likely win by 10.5 points. This stands to reason, given their recent impressive performance. The over/under has been placed at 56.5 for a high-point-scoring game. Wagers should note SMU’s strong record at home and the difficulties faced by BYU when playing away from home and making wagers.
BYU Cougars Betting Trends
The last six games have not been good for them, as they could only win one game while losing five. Other Hostel worries include an abysmal form in away games, where the team recently lost the last five while playing on the road. On a positive note, BYU was successful against American League teams during this period, winning 7 out of the 8 matches.
SMU Mustangs Betting Trends
The SMU Mustangs went on a winning spree and did poorly, posting an impressive nip and tuck 11-1 SU record in the last 12 games. Shipping out fans’ support, all their 9 previous games at home have resulted in victories for them. However, the remaining SMU vs. Independent (FBS) conference streak is hopeless, with 7 defeats and no victories. Points have been challenging to come by in the games played in September, with the total silencing till four out of the games played in the last five games this year, 2nd week of the month games also towing the same trend, narrower games. Further remarkable SU records aside, SMU has had his fair share of ‘poor results’ against the spread (ATS), particularly on Fridays, having registered 4 wins and 10 losses in the last 14 encounters.
BYU Cougars vs. SMU Mustangs 9/6/24 Betting Picks
Upon evaluation and considering current developments, it can be said with conviction that this game suits bettors. Jake Retzlaff, quarterback for BYU, has a potent offense that might take advantage of some of SMU’s weaknesses, given that they can continue to score at will. Still, the perfect win streak at BM accepted this season, coupled with a decisive ground game spearheaded by Brashard Smith, most likely gives them the upper hand, making their pick easier.
Looking at the trends, SMU was safer against the spread because of its strict home court and BYU’s weaknesses away from home. And besides, 56.5 is a nice number; looking at both teams’ betting tendencies and performances, the under bet may come into the picture, which explains some of SMU’s bet orders in September as well as Week and Week 2 games. The handicapping top services favor the Mustangs to win this game.