Prediction, Preview, and Betting Lines for SMU vs. Virginia

It does seem a little odd that no one is talking about SMU in the College Football Playoff race.

It is good enough to beat Virginia this week and Cal next week. At that point, with an 11-1 record and a three-point loss to BYU, could it be a Power Four team with 11 wins that does not make the playoffs if it loses the ACC Championship?

Virginia has fights. Out of its last four games, it lost three. Now it is 5-5, and a win this week or next week at Virginia Tech could send it bowling.

SMU vs Virginia: How to Watch and Game Preview

Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
How To Watch: ESPN2
Venue: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA
Teams: Virginia (5-5), SMU (9-1)

Why SMU Will Win

The offense from SMU has not stopped, especially in the first half.

The attack is balanced, fast, and great on third downs. No one can keep up with it. The Mustangs have won 237-105 of the games they have played so far this season. From there, the offense keeps running out the clock.

Teams also have to work hard to keep up. The SMU D does not have a lot of takeaways right now, but they might be coming.

It was given up ten times in the last four games and five times against Notre Dame. But…

Why Virginia Will Win

To keep up, the Cavaliers can pass the ball.

The offense worked well against Pitt a few weeks ago, even though they did not get many yards. But they had trouble against the Irish. At least the attack will keep putting pressure on the SMU D, and it will not just bomb it.

I think this will be a fight as long as Anthony Colandrea hits more than 60% of his throws. But…

SMU vs Virginia: Who Will Win?

Too many offenses can get through the Virginia defense.

The Cavs have let passers hit 60% or more of their passes six times this season, and SMU should add to that list. There are times when the Mustangs are not very accurate, but the production is there.

At home, Virginia will make this a four-quarter battle to stay in the game. It will not be as easy as the blowout they got against North Carolina a few weeks ago, but SMU will win and keep going with a big fourth-quarter drive to take control.