SMU Mustangs vs Virginia Cavaliers Prediction, 11/23/2024 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: SMU Mustangs vs Virginia Cavaliers

Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024

Location: Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, VA

TV: ESPN2

Odds/Point Spread: Cavaliers (+9.5)

Total/Over-Under: 58

The SMU Mustangs (9-1) are headed to Scott Stadium on Saturday, November 23, 2024 where they will attempt to defeat the Virginia Cavaliers (5-5). Virginia is 9.5-point underdogs from Vegas oddsmakers. The total is set at 58.

The SMU Mustangs head into this matchup 9-1 for this season. In their last contest, the Mustangs went up against the Boston College Eagles and earned the victory with a final of 38-28. The SMU Mustangs ran the ball 30 different times and totaled 140 yds, which had them averaging 4.7 yards per tote. Overall, they tallied 65 plays for 438 yards. SMU conceded 18 pass completions on 32 attempts for a total of 237 yards, and a completion rate of 56.3%. When it came to stopping the run, the Mustangs conceded 180 yards on 43 attempts, which calculates to 4.2 yards per rush surrendered.

The Mustangs have racked up 4,453 total yards for the year. In terms of distribution of touchdowns, SMU has amassed 19 touchdowns via the pass and 24 touchdowns via the ground. They have turned the ball over 17 different times. SMU has accrued 229 1st downs as a unit, and they have been hurt by 78 penalties for 777 yds. As a unit they're holding an average of 190.9 yards on the ground giving them a rank of 30th in the country. When it comes to scoring points, the SMU Mustangs are averaging 39.9 PPG.

When talking about passing yardage, the Mustangs are allowing 2,496 yds which puts them in 108th in Division 1. They are conceding 249.6 yards per contest via the pass in addition to allowing a completion percentage of 55.5%. Over the course of this year, they are surrendering 348.6 yards per outing putting them at 50th in D-1. They have conceded 19 touchdowns via the pass in addition to 10 touchdowns running the ball. The opposition is running for an average of 3.0 yards per run and 99.0 rushing yards per contest this season. During the season, they have allowed 990 running yards through 10 games. The Mustangs sit in 45th in the country in terms of their opponents scoring, conceding 22.4 PPG.

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The Cavaliers come into this matchup with a record of 5-5 for this season. When they last stepped on the field, the Cavaliers went home defeated by a final of 35-14 when they played the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Cavaliers finished with 300 yds while running 68 plays (4.4 yards per play). Virginia rushed the football for 4.0 yds per attempt, totaling 128 yds on 32 attempts. Virginia relinquished 38 rush attempts for 234 yds (6.2 yards per carry). The Cavaliers pass defense allowed a completion percentage of 66.7%, surrendering 214 yards on 22 for 33 through the air.

The Virginia Cavaliers maintain an average of 388.4 yards/outing, which ranks them 64th in college football. The Virginia offense has totaled 469 yards of penalties on 52 infractions, which is 108th in the country in terms of helping out the opposition. They are averaging 142.2 yards per game on the ground and have run for 1,422 yards for this season. They have given away 12 interceptions while letting opponents recover 5 fumbles and they have tallied 201 first downs. In relation to the points being put on the board, the Cavaliers currently rank 92nd in D-1 with an average of 24.8 points per game. During this campaign thus far, the Cavaliers have a total of 2,462 passing yards as well as an average of 246.2 throwing yards per game, which ranks 47th in D-1.

The Cavaliers are surrendering 27.5 PPG, which puts them 86th in the country. Virginia has surrendered a total of 1,430 yards rushing (143.0 yards per game) in addition to 15 touchdowns on the ground on the campaign. Overall, they have relinquished 275 total points. They have given up 17 touchdowns through the air in addition to 258.0 yards per outing, ranking them 118th in D-1. The Cavaliers defense has taken part in 685 plays, which ranks them 85th in college football. They have tallied 5 fumbles and 8 picks over the course of the season.

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

Tony's Pick: Take the Cavaliers +9.5

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