2014
SMU
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
SMU should once again be a middle-of-the-pack team in the AAC, nothing more, nothing less. The Mustangs lose a bit of talent on offense including quarterback Garrett Gilbert and two 1,000-yard receivers. With a difficult non-Conference Schedule, it’s hard to see them reaching a bowl Game this year.
Sophomore Neal Burcham looks set to start at QB for SMU. He started the last two Games in 2013 and struggled with the no-huddle, up-tempo offense. It’s likely head coach June Jones will use a slower offense that is more tailored for Burcham. Because of that, it’s hard to see the Mustangs having a top 10 passing offense again this year. Darius Joseph (103 receptions) and Der’rikk Thompson step into the spotlight at wide out and both will need to produce. The running back situation is still iffy and could be a problem, especially if this offense doesn’t plan on passing as much this year with Burcham. Prescott Line (332 yards) led the team in rushing last year, but Kevin Pope may be in line for more touches after a season at linebacker.
After the Burcham-led offense only scored 13 points in his two starts last season, it’s a wonder how this group will play. The receivers will have to step up though.
On the defensive side, SMU once again struggled allowing over 33 points per Game last year. They return five starters in the front seven, which should help a little bit, but defending the pass will again be a problem.
Three sophomores are expected to start in the secondary. This is a team that gave up too many big plays a year ago, and it’s hard to see how they will stop that trend. If the ‘Stangs want to make it to a bowl Game, this is the unit that has to improve.
Much like last year, SMU has a ridiculous non-Conference Schedule having to face Baylor, Texas A&M and TCU. They also get North Texas on the road which is anything but easy. And then their first two AAC Games are against East Carolina and Cincinnati, two of the better teams in the conference. It wouldn’t be entirely surprising if the Mustangs started the season with six straight losses.
SMU also has to face UCF and Connecticut on the road, which could lead to two more losses if they aren’t careful. Reaching last year’s mark of five wins could be difficult if Burcham can’t get the offense going. And even if he does somewhat, the defense will have trouble keeping opponent’s within striking distance for Burcham.
5 dimes sportsbook has odds/lines posted for the first few weeks of Games for several AAC teams. Check em out.
2014 SMU Football Schedule
Aug. 31 at Baylor
Sept. 6 at North Texas
Sept. 20 vs. Texas A&M
Sept. 27 vs. TCU
Oct. 4 at East Carolina
Oct. 18 vs. Cincinnati
Oct. 25 vs. Memphis
Nov. 8 at Tulsa
Nov. 15 vs. South Florida
Nov. 22 at UCF
Nov. 28 vs. Houston
Dec. 6 at Connecticut