Kickoff for this matchup between the SMU Mustangs and Memphis Tigers is set for 12:00 PM ET. The game will be played in Memphis, TN at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium with ESPN2 carrying television coverage. The odds for this week 12 American Athletic matchup have the Mustangs as the 8.5 point favorite on the spread. Keep reading to find out how I see this one playing out.

SMU MUSTANGS VS MEMPHIS TIGERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Memphis Tigers +8.5

This game will be played at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium at 12:00 ET on Saturday, November 18th.

WHY BET THE MEMPHIS TIGERS:

  • We have this one finishing with a projected score of 37-29 in favor of SMU.
  • Even though we have SMU winning straight-up, we like Memphis at +8.5.
  • The over/under is currently sitting at 65.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 66 points.

Will the Mustangs Live Up to Expectations on the Road?

The SMU Mustangs take on the Memphis with a 8-2 record, including 3-2 on the road and 5-0 at home.

SMU’s average scoring differential for the season is +24.1 leading to an ATS mark of 6-4. The Mustangs have been favored eight times and the underdog in two games

Over the course of 10 games, the average over/under line in SMU’s matchups has been 59.8 points. These games have had an average combined score of 56.9 points, leading to an OU record of 4-6.

In the rushing game, the Mustangs are currently 25th in college football with 394 attempts per game. This has resulted in an average of 190.1 rushing yards per game, putting them 25th nationally. Their passing game has averaged 33.1 passes and 285.5 yards per game. When it comes to scoring, they are 7th, averaging 40.5 points per game.

The Mustangs defense faces off against Memphis with 35 sacks and are 1st in QB hurries. When it comes to points allowed, they’re giving up 16.4 points per game which is 55th in the nation. Against the pass, they’re 27th in the NCAA, allowing 173.8 passing yards per game. SMU’s run defense is yielding 117.2 rushing yards per contest.

Does Memphis Stand a Chance at Home?

So far, the Memphis Tigers are 8-2, including going 3-0 on the road and 3-2 at home.

So far, Memphis has been favored six times and the underdog in two games. This has led to an ATS record of 2-5-1 and an average scoring differential of +10.8.

This season, Memphis has an over/under record of 6-2. Their games have, on average, produced a combined total of 68.6 points, with the typical over/under line being 57.8 points.

Memphis comes into the game with an offense averaging 39.7, which places them at 9th in the NCAA rankings. Their passing game has them ranked 15th nationally, with an average of 296.5 passing yards. In the rushing department, they’re 67th in the nation, with 339 rushing attempts per game for the season.

The Tigers defense comes into the game with 19 sacks, and ranked 1st in QB hurries. In terms of points allowed, they are giving up 28.9 points per game (117th). When it comes to defending the pass, they are ranked 123rd in the NCAA, allowing an average of 242.2 passing yards per game. Additionally, Memphis’ run defense comes in allowing 175.2 rushing yards per contest.