Central Florida vs. SMU Pick
Can No. 15 Central Florida handle being a two-score favorite on the road when the Golden Knights face SMU tonight at 7:15PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Central Florida is favored on the road in this game, as the Golden Knights are getting odds of -14.5 points against SMU. The over/under total for the contest has been set at 73 points. UCF has won six of the last seven meetings with SMU and the Knights are 4-2-1 against the spread in those seven games. The public is currently putting 69 percent of the wagers on Central Florida on the road. Tonight’s game takes place from Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas and will air live on ESPN2.
Central Florida is off to a 7-0 start following a 73-33 win over Austin Peay last week. The Golden Knights are 4-0 in conference play and 5-1-1 against the spread. The Knights are 2-0-1 ATS on the road. UCF has been dominant on both sides of the ball this season. The Knights average 51 points and 529.7 yards per game on offense while allowing just 19.7 points and 348.1 yards per game on defense. McKenzie Milton is leading the offense with 1,997 passing yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for 254 yards and two scores. Tre’Quan Smith is the leading receiver with 26 receptions for 500 yards and nine touchdowns. Adrian Killins Jr. is leading the ground effort with 430 yards and five touchdowns.
SMU is coming off a 38-34 win over Tulsa at home last week to improve to 6-2 on the season and 3-1 in the AAC. The Mustangs are 5-3 against the spread this season, but have failed to cover in their last three games. SMU is averaging 41.5 points and 507 yards per game on offense this season. Ben Hicks has thrown for 2,305 yards and 19 touchdowns to lead the offense while Trey Quinn had 79 catches for 874 yards and seven scores. Courtland Sutton has added 43 receptions for 706 yards and nine touchdowns. Xavier Jones is the leading rusher with 616 yards and five scores. Defensively, SMU is allowing 31 points and 439.6 yards per game this season.
Bet on Central Florida vs. SMU
UCF hasn’t had much trouble dealing with anyone this season. The Knights closest game this season was a 10-point win at Navy in a physical battle. The Mustangs won’t be able to provide that kind of physical challenge for UCF. The Knights should be able to move the ball at will. When it comes to SMU, I don’t see the Mustangs being able to match UCF score-for-score. The Knights have been able to keep most opponents in check this season.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTION: CENTRAL FLORIDA -14.5