SMU (3-1) vs Florida State (1-3)
Game Info: Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 8:00 pm (Gerald J. Ford Stadium)
Betting Odds: SMU -5.5 / Florida State +5.5 --- Over/Under: 47.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Florida State Seminoles and the SMU Mustangs meet in week 5 college football action from Gerald J. Ford Stadium on Saturday afternoon. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Florida State vs. SMU prediction.
Florida State Recap
The Florida State Seminoles come into this one looking to build off of their first win of the season coming in the form of a 14-9 win over the Cal Golden Bears last time out. After this game, Florida State will head home to take on Clemson.
Seminoles Starting Climb Back After Rough Start
DJ Uiagalelei has thrown for 843 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions on 57.1% passing while Lawrance Toafili has a team-high 147 rushing yards with 2 TDs and Roydell Williams has a pair of rushing TDs as well. Ja’Khi Douglas leads Florida State with 224 receiving yards on 13 receptions while Malik Benson has 14 grabs for 167 yards and Kentron Poitier has 108 receiving yards as well. On defense, Shyheim Brown has a team-high 32 total tackles including 19 solo tackles while Patrick Payton has a team-high 4 sacks on the year.
Why the Florida State Seminoles will win
- Florida State has won 21 of its last 24 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Florida State has covered the spread in each of its last four games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- SMU has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
SMU Recap
The SMU Mustangs come into this one looking to build on their 3-1 start to the year after taking down TCU by a final score of 66-42 last time out. After this game, SMU will head out on the road for a matchup against Louisville.
Mustangs Trying To Leave Impression In First Year In ACC
Kevin Jennings has thrown for 479 yards, 3 touchdowns, and an interception on 61.4% passing while Preston Stone has thrown for 336 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a pick on 58.1% passing. Brashard Smith has a team-high 380 rushing yards with 6 touchdowns while Jennings and LJ Johnson Jr. each have 100+ rushing yards as well on the year. RJ Maryland leads the Mustangs in receiving with 13 grabs for 191 yards while Jake Bailey and Key’Shawn Smith each have 100+ receiving yards as well on the year. On defense, Ahmad Walker has a team-high 26 total tackles while Ahmaad Moses has a team-high 3 interceptions. As a unit, SMU has combined for 6 sacks and 6 interceptions so far this season.
Why the SMU Mustangs will win
- SMU has won each of its last 10 games against conference opponents.
- Florida State has lost four of its last five games.
- SMU has covered the spread in five of its last six games at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
- Florida State has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games.
Florida State vs. SMU Prediction
I’m on the Mustangs here. One win is not just going to erase all the bad things that Florida State’s done this season so far and realistically, Cal missed two field goals that would’ve won them that game in hindsight so it’s hard for me to really feel good about what Florida State’s doing here. The Mustangs really woke up offensively against TCU and I just don’t think that Florida State can match that intensity here. Give me SMU in this one.
Chris’s Pick SMU -5.5
AUTHOR: Chris Ruffolo
Mitch's Take...
