Pittsburgh vs SMU Prediction College Football Picks 11/2/24

In this article, we will formulate a Pittsburgh vs SMU prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, November 2nd at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 10 matchup. 

Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Panthers are 7-0 (3-0) this year after they defeated Syracuse by a score of 41-13 in their last game. Pittsburgh scored 31 points in the first half and they were able to coast to the victory in the second half. The Panthers were outgained by a total of 327-217, won the turnover battle 5-0, and went 2-9 on third down in the game. Eli Holstein threw for 108 yards and two touchdowns, while Desmond Reid rushed for 47 yards on 11 carries. 

Pittsburgh has started the season undefeated with other wins against Kent State, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Youngstown State, UNC, and Cal. The Pitt offense has scored 40.9 points per game with 282.3 passing yards and 160.9 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 22 points per game this season. The Panthers have gone 38.3% on third down and 7-10 on fourth down so far this season. Eli Holstein (questionable) has completed 64.2% of his passes for 1,805 yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while Desmond Reid has rushed for 541 yards and three scores. 

SMU Mustangs Betting Preview

The SMU Mustangs are 7-1 (4-0) this year after they defeated Duke by a score of 28-27 in their last game. SMU blew a 21-7 third-quarter lead, but they were able to stop Duke’s two-point conversion in overtime for the win. The Mustangs outgained Duke by a total of 469-393, lost the turnover battle 6-0, and went 6-12 on third down in the game. Kevin Jennings threw for 258 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, while Brashard Smith rushed for 117 yards and two scores. 

SMU has also defeated Stanford, Louisville, FSU, and TCU during this five-game winning streak. The SMU offense has scored 39.1 points per game with 242.5 passing yards and 201 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 21.4 points per game this season. The Mustangs have gone 46.2% on third down and 8-15 on fourth down through eight games. Kevin Jennings has completed 64.3% of his passes for 1,594 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while Brashard Smith has rushed for 745 yards and nine scores. 

Why Pittsburgh will cover

• Pittsburgh has won eight of its last nine games.
• SMU has lost 24 of its last 30 games against AP-ranked teams.
• SMU has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five November games against AP-ranked teams.
• Pittsburgh has covered the spread in three of its last four games as an underdog.

Total Points Facts

• Six of SMU’s last seven games against AP-ranked teams at Gerald J. Ford Stadium have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Five of Pittsburgh’s last six November games against AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• SMU ranks 6th among FBS teams for H1 points per game this season (23.1).
• SMU is one of only seven FBS teams undefeated in road games this season ((4-0)).
• Pittsburgh ranks 4th among FBS teams for Q4 points per game this season (11.9).
• Pittsburgh ranks 6th among FBS teams for points per game this season (40.9).

Pittsburgh vs SMU Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup ranked in the top-25 and they are towards the top of the ACC standings, so this game is very important for both sides. Pittsburgh has played a pretty soft schedule, but they have taken care of business and made Syracuse look silly last week. SMU made a ton of mistakes last week against Duke, but they were able to survive in overtime. I think we are going to see plenty of points in this game, but I like Pittsburgh to keep this game close. I don’t trust either defense and in a high-scoring game, I want the points in my back pocket.