SMU Mustangs at Duke Blue Devils Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/26/2024 8:00 PM EST

We have your SMU Mustangs at Duke Blue Devils prop betting and game preview needs covered as the SMU Mustangs hit the road to face the Duke Blue Devils.

SMU Mustangs at Duke Blue Devils Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: SMU Mustangs -450 (BetMGM) / Duke Blue Devils +340 (BetMGM)
Best Spread Odds: 11.5 - SMU Mustangs -110 (BetMGM) / Duke Blue Devils -110 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 48.5 - Under -110 (FanDuel) / Over -107 (BetRivers)

Game Info

Date: 10/26/2024
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Location: Wallace Wade Stadium (Durham, NC)
TV: ACC Network

SMU Mustangs at Duke Blue Devils Preview

The SMU Mustangs, ranked No. 22, are set to face the Duke Blue Devils in a pivotal ACC matchup. Both teams enter the contest with identical 6-1 records, but the Mustangs have been riding a wave of momentum with a four-game winning streak. SMU's high-powered offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Kevin Jennings, has been a force to reckon with, consistently putting up 34 or more points in their last four games. Jennings, who threw for a career-high 322 yards in their recent 40-10 victory over Stanford, will be crucial in maintaining SMU's offensive tempo.

However, the Mustangs face a significant challenge with the loss of their star tight end, RJ Maryland, who is out for the season due to a leg injury. Maryland was a key offensive weapon, leading the team in receptions and providing a reliable target for Jennings. In his absence, wide receiver Jake Bailey will need to step up as the new active receiving leader, alongside Michigan transfer Matthew Hibner, who is expected to take on a larger role.

On the other side, the Duke Blue Devils are coming off a hard-fought 23-16 win over Florida State, where their defense shone brightly. Defensive back Chandler Rivers and linebacker Ozzie Nicholas were recognized as ACC Players of the Week for their performances. Despite their defensive prowess, Duke's offense has struggled, particularly in the passing game, which could be a concern against SMU's potent attack.

Duke will also be without tight end Nicky Dalmolin, who is out for the season, adding to their offensive challenges. The Blue Devils will look to receiver Jordan Moore to potentially take on a larger role, especially after being limited in their last outing.

This matchup is crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot in the ACC Championship game. SMU's ability to adapt without Maryland and continue their offensive dominance will be key, while Duke will rely on their defense to keep them in the game. With SMU's impressive road record and offensive firepower, the Mustangs are poised to extend their winning streak and solidify their position as ACC contenders.

SMU Mustangs at Duke Blue Devils Pick: SMU Mustangs Against the Spread

The SMU Mustangs are poised to cover the spread against the Duke Blue Devils, and several factors support this pick. First and foremost, SMU's offense has been a juggernaut, consistently scoring 34 or more points in their last four games. This offensive prowess is largely due to the exceptional play of quarterback Kevin Jennings, who recently threw for a career-high 322 yards in a dominant 40-10 victory over Stanford. Despite the loss of star tight end RJ Maryland, the Mustangs have shown resilience and depth, with wide receiver Jake Bailey stepping up as the new active receiving leader. Additionally, the addition of Michigan transfer Matthew Hibner provides another potential target for Jennings, ensuring that SMU's passing game remains potent.

Moreover, SMU's impressive road record cannot be overlooked. The Mustangs have won eight straight road games, a streak that matches Texas for the longest in the country. This ability to perform under pressure away from home is a testament to their strong team dynamics and coaching under Rhett Lashlee. In contrast, Duke's offense has struggled, particularly in the passing game, which could be a significant disadvantage against SMU's high-scoring attack. While Duke's defense has been commendable, as evidenced by their recent win over Florida State, the Blue Devils' offensive challenges, exacerbated by the absence of tight end Nicky Dalmolin, may hinder their ability to keep pace with SMU.

Given SMU's offensive firepower, road success, and the momentum of a four-game winning streak, they are well-positioned to cover the spread against Duke. The Mustangs' ability to adapt and maintain their scoring efficiency, even without Maryland, makes them a formidable opponent in this crucial ACC matchup.

SMU Mustangs at Duke Blue Devils Top Player Prop Picks

Kevin Jennings Over 1.5 Passing TDs -103 (Caesars)

Kevin Jennings has been a pivotal force in SMU's high-powered offense, consistently delivering impressive performances. With a career-high 322 passing yards in the recent 40-10 victory over Stanford, Jennings has demonstrated his ability to lead the Mustangs' aerial attack effectively. Despite the absence of star tight end RJ Maryland, Jennings has a wealth of targets, including wide receiver Jake Bailey and Michigan transfer Matthew Hibner, who are expected to step up. Given SMU's offensive momentum, scoring 34 or more points in their last four games, Jennings is well-positioned to exceed 1.5 passing touchdowns against a Duke defense that, while strong, may struggle to contain SMU's dynamic passing game.

Collin Rogers Over 7.5 Kicking Points -105 (bet365)

Collin Rogers, SMU's reliable kicker, is poised to play a crucial role in this matchup against Duke. With SMU's offense firing on all cylinders, consistently putting up high scores, Rogers is likely to have multiple opportunities to contribute through field goals and extra points. The Mustangs' ability to move the ball effectively, even without RJ Maryland, suggests that they will frequently find themselves in scoring positions. Given the expected offensive output, Rogers should comfortably surpass 7.5 kicking points, making this a strong prop bet.

Star Thomas Over 74.5 Rushing Yards -115 (bet365)

Star Thomas has been a key component of Duke's offensive strategy, particularly in their recent 23-16 win over Florida State, where he carried the ball 21 times for 88 yards. With Duke's passing game facing challenges, Thomas is likely to be heavily relied upon to carry the offensive load against SMU. The Blue Devils will need to establish a strong ground game to keep pace with SMU's potent offense, and Thomas's recent performance indicates he is more than capable of surpassing the 74.5 rushing yards line. His ability to consistently gain yardage makes this an appealing prop bet for those looking to capitalize on Duke's offensive strategy.