California Golden Bears vs SMU Mustangs Prediction, 11/30/2024 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: California Golden Bears vs SMU Mustangs

Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024

Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, TX

TV: ESPN2

Odds/Point Spread: Mustangs (-13.5)

Total/Over-Under: 57

Gerald J. Ford Stadium is the location where the SMU Mustangs (10-1) will take on the California Golden Bears (6-5) on Saturday, November 30, 2024. SMU opens as 13.5-point favorites from Vegas oddsmakers. The total is set at 57.

The California Golden Bears come into this game with a record of 6-5 this season. The last time they took the field, the Golden Bears took on the Stanford Cardinal and walked away with a win by a score of 24-21. When it came to stopping the run, the Golden Bears conceded 118 yds on 40 tries, which is an average of 3.0 yards per rush allowed. California relinquished 15 pass completions on 29 tries for 141 yards, and a completion rate of 51.7%. For the game, they had 68 plays which totaled 371 yds. The California Golden Bears ended up running the ball 30 times and accumulated 72 yards, which had them averaging 2.4 yards per carry.

The Golden Bears have racked up 4,340 total yards this season. In terms of getting in the endzone, California has compiled 17 passing touchdowns and 17 rushing touchdowns. They have turned the football over 9 different times. California has accounted for 235 1st downs as a unit, and they have committed 84 penalties for 674 yards. Offensively they're averaging 118.5 yards via the ground game ranking this team at 106th in D-1. When talking about getting in the endzone, the California Golden Bears hold an average of 27.9 PPG.

The Golden Bears are ranked 30th in Division 1 regarding the opposition scoring, allowing 20.7 points per game. Opposing teams are running for an average of 3.2 yards per rush on the ground and 106.4 rushing yards per game on the campaign. In total, they have allowed 1,170 rushing yards through 11 games. Concerning passing yards, the Golden Bears have given up 2,511 yds which ranks them 83rd in the country. They have allowed 228.3 yards per game through the air in addition to conceding a completion percentage of 56.5%. For the year, they have allowed 334.6 yards per game which puts them 38th in Division 1. They have given up 12 touchdowns via the pass in addition to 17 touchdowns via the ground game.

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The Mustangs come into this matchup with a record of 10-1 this year. In their last game, the Mustangs took home the win by a final score of 33-7 when they faced the Virginia Cavaliers. SMU ran the ball for 3.2 yards per carry, totaling 111 yds on 35 carries. The Mustangs finished the contest with a total of 434 yds and they ran 68 plays (6.4 yards per play). The Mustangs secondary gave up a completion percentage of 66.7%, surrendering 108 yds on 18 out of 27 passing. SMU allowed 39 rush attempts for 65 yards (1.7 yards per rush).

Regarding the points being put on the board, the Mustangs are 5th in the nation with 39.3 PPG. The SMU Mustangs average 444.3 yards/game, which has them ranked 22nd in college football. The SMU offense has compiled 825 yards of penalties on 84 infractions, ranking them 15th in D-1 in terms of hurting your team. They have thrown 8 interceptions while conceding 11 fumbles and they have been able to obtain 249 first downs. For the season so far, the Mustangs have compiled 2,867 yards via the pass in addition to an average of 260.6 throwing yards per game, which has them sitting 33rd in the nation. They have an average of 183.6 yards per game via the ground game and have run for 2,020 yards for the year.

The Mustangs are surrendering 21.0 PPG, which puts them 31st in D-1. SMU has surrendered a total of 1,055 rushing yards (95.9 yards per contest) and 10 touchdowns by way of the ground game on the campaign. This year, they have allowed 231 total points. They have allowed the opposition 20 touchdowns from the passing game in addition to 236.7 yards/outing, which has them ranked 96th in college football. The Mustangs defense has been on the field for 776 plays, ranking them 109th in Division 1. They have totaled 6 fumbles and 14 interceptions for the season.

Who will win tonight's Golden Bears/Mustangs college football game against the spread?

Josh's Pick: Take the Golden Bears +13.5

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