The SMU Mustangs (10-2) are set to face off against the Tulane Green Wave (11-1) in a high-stakes AAC Championship Game. With both teams boasting impressive records and riding significant winning streaks, this matchup is poised to be a battle of offensive firepower and defensive prowess.
SMU Mustangs vs. Tulane Green Wave Odds Info
Moneyline: SMU Mustangs +150 (Bet365) / Tulane Green Wave -167 (BetRivers)
Spread: Tulane -3.5 (BetMGM)
Total: 46.5 / -105 (BetMGM) / -115 (BetMGM)
Game Info
Date: Saturday, Dec. 02
Time: 04:00 PM
Location: Yulman Stadium – New Orleans, LA
TV: ABC
SMU Mustangs Betting Trends
- On the road, SMU Mustangs are 4 and 2 this season.
- Against the spread this season, SMU Mustangs are 7 and 5.
- Against the spread on the road, SMU Mustangs are 2 and 4.
Tulane Green Wave Betting Trends
- At home, Tulane Green Wave are 6 and 1 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Tulane Green Wave are 5 and 7.
- Against the spread at home, Tulane Green Wave are 2 and 5.
SMU Mustangs vs. Tulane Green Wave Predictions
The SMU Mustangs enter the AAC Championship on an 8-game winning streak, showcasing a potent offense that has racked up a staggering 502 points this season. The Mustangs, however, will be without their starting quarterback Preston Stone, who has been a pivotal part of their success. In his stead, redshirt freshman Kevin Jennings will take the helm, looking to maintain the team’s offensive dynamism. SMU’s offense, ranked among the top in the nation, will be tested against Tulane’s formidable defense, which has been a cornerstone of their 10-game winning streak and has allowed only 220 points against them.
Tulane’s season has been nothing short of spectacular, with their only loss coming early in the season. Quarterback Michael Pratt has been a consistent force for the Green Wave, leading them to an impressive 335 points for the season. Tulane’s offense will face a challenging SMU defense that has shown resilience throughout the season. The Green Wave’s balanced attack will need to exploit any weaknesses in the Mustangs’ defense to claim the AAC title. With both teams featuring strong defensive units, this game could very well be decided by which defense can make the critical stops when it matters most.
This championship clash will also be a showcase of coaching strategies, with both head coaches having proven their ability to adjust and prepare their teams for high-pressure situations. The key player matchups to watch include Tulane’s leading receivers against SMU’s secondary, and how SMU’s offensive line will protect their new quarterback against Tulane’s aggressive pass rush. With a New Year’s Six bowl game potentially on the line, expect both teams to leave everything on the field in what promises to be an enthralling contest.
SMU Mustangs vs. Tulane Green Wave Pick
The SMU Mustangs, despite the loss of their starting quarterback, have shown a depth and resilience that make them a strong pick against the spread. With a robust offensive line and a diverse array of playmakers, SMU has the tools to adapt and continue their high-scoring trend. The Mustangs’ 7-5 record against the spread this season demonstrates their ability to outperform expectations, and their 8-game winning streak is indicative of a team peaking at the right time. Furthermore, SMU’s offense, which has been one of the most explosive in the nation, is likely to challenge Tulane’s defense more than most teams have this season. While Tulane has been formidable at home, their 2-5 record against the spread at Yulman Stadium suggests they may struggle to cover the spread in a high-pressure championship game.
Historically, matchups between these two teams have been closely contested, and with SMU’s offense still potent under Kevin Jennings, there’s reason to believe they can keep it within the spread or even secure an outright win. Tulane’s defense will be put to the test, and while they’ve been impressive, SMU’s diverse offensive playbook and strong finish to the season suggest they can find ways to score. Given the Mustangs’ performance against the spread on the road and the pressure on Tulane to perform in front of a home crowd with high expectations, betting on SMU to cover seems a calculated risk worth taking.
The Pick: SMU Mustangs +3.5 (BetMGM)