Duke (6-1) vs SMU (6-1)
Game Info: Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 8:00 pm (Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium)
Betting Odds: Duke +12.5 / SMU -12.5 --- Over/Under: 48 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ACC Network Stream live sports and exclusive originals on ESPN+. Sign up now! 
The SMU Mustangs and the Duke Blue Devils meet in week 9 college football action from Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday night. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an SMU vs. Duke prediction.
SMU Recap
The SMU Mustangs come into this game looking to build on their four-game win streak after a 40-10 win over Stanford last time out. After this game, SMU will head home for a date against Pitt.
Mustangs Trying To Keep Pace In ACC Hunt
Kevin Jennings has thrown for 1,336 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions on 66% passing while Preston Stone has 346 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and an interception on 59.1% passing. Brashard Smith has a team-high 628 rushing yards along with 7 touchdowns while RJ Maryland has a team-high 24 receptions for 359 yards and 4 touchdowns. Jake Bailey has 260 receiving yards while Key’Shawn Smith has 242 receiving yards as well on the year. On defense, SMU has combined for 45 total tackles including a pair of interceptions while Ahmaad Moses has a team-high 3 interceptions while Isaiah Nwokobia has a pair of interceptions. Isaiah Smith has a team-high 4 sacks and Jahfari Harvey has 3 sacks. As a unit, SMU has combined for 16 sacks and 12 interceptions as well on the year.
Why the SMU Mustangs will win
- SMU has won each of its last 13 games against conference opponents.
- Duke has lost 11 of its last 12 games against AP-ranked teams.
- SMU has covered the spread in each of its last seven games in October.
- Duke has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four October games against AP-ranked teams.
Duke Recap
The Duke Blue Devils come into this game looking to add on to their 23-16 win over Florida State last time out to improve to 6-1 on the year. After this game, Duke will head on the road for a game against Miami.
Blue Devils Trying To Nab Statement Win
Maalik Murphy has thrown for 1,501 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions on 59.1% passing while Star Thomas leads the Blue Devils on the ground with 616 rushing yards and 4 TDs. Jordan Moore has a team-high 31 receptions for 453 yards and 3 TDs while Eli Pancol has 25 grabs for 308 yards and 5 touchdowns. Another three Blue Devils have 100+ receiving yards as well on the year. On defense, Alex Howard has a team-high 52 total tackles including 5 sacks while Vincent Anthony Jr. has 4 sacks and Terry Moore has a pair of interceptions. As a unit, Duke’s defense has combined for 24 sacks and 6 interceptions on the year.
Why the Duke Blue Devils will win
- Duke has won each of its last eight home games against conference opponents.
- Duke has covered the spread in nine of its last 10 home games against conference opponents.
SMU vs. Duke Prediction
I’m on SMU here. I get that it’s not easy to lay points with teams on the road, especially when both are 6-1, but I don’t feel like all 6-1 teams are created equal. Duke’s had some close calls and you could argue with the bounces going the other way or a tougher schedule, Duke could be sub-.500. SMU has been rock solid, especially defensively, and I think that the Mustangs get the win and cover in a big win. Give me SMU.
Chris’s Pick SMU -12.5
AUTHOR: Chris Ruffolo
