SMU Mustangs at Stanford Cardinal Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/19/2024 8:00 PM EST

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

SMU Mustangs at Stanford Cardinal Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: SMU Mustangs -700 (ESPN BET) / Stanford Cardinal +500 (ESPN BET)
Best Spread Odds: 15.5 - SMU Mustangs -115 (BetMGM) / Stanford Cardinal -105 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 53.5 - Under -112 (BetRivers) / Over -109 (BetRivers)

Game Info

Date: 10/19/2024
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Location: Stanford Stadium
TV: ACC Network

SMU Mustangs at Stanford Cardinal Preview

The SMU Mustangs, currently ranked No. 21 in the AP Top 25 Poll, are set to face the Stanford Cardinal in a highly anticipated ACC matchup. The Mustangs, boasting a 5-1 overall record and a perfect 2-0 in conference play, are riding a wave of momentum following a bye week and a significant victory over then-No. 22 Louisville. This season, SMU has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging 40.8 points per game, largely due to the dynamic play of sophomore quarterback Kevin Jennings. Jennings has been impressive, completing 66.7% of his passes for 1,014 yards, six touchdowns, and just one interception, while also contributing 262 rushing yards and two scores.

On the other side, the Stanford Cardinal have struggled this season, holding a 2-4 record and 1-2 in the ACC. The Cardinal have faced a tough stretch, losing three consecutive games by significant margins, including a recent 49-7 defeat to Notre Dame. Stanford's offense, led by junior tight end Sam Roush and freshman running back Chris Davis Jr., has been inconsistent, with Roush recording 14 receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown this season. The Cardinal defense has also been porous, allowing an average of 30.8 points per game.

This game is particularly intriguing due to the tight end matchup, as SMU's standout junior RJ Maryland, who is on the Mackey Award Watch List, will look to continue his stellar season. Maryland has already set the SMU record for receiving touchdowns by a tight end and has been a key offensive weapon with 22 receptions for 304 yards and three touchdowns. The Mustangs' high-powered offense will be a significant test for Stanford's defense, which has struggled to contain opponents this season.

Historically, this game marks the first meeting between these two teams since the 1936 Rose Bowl, where Stanford narrowly defeated SMU 7-0. However, the current form and statistics suggest a different outcome this time around, with SMU entering the game as a 15.5-point favorite. The Mustangs' explosive offense and recent form make them a formidable opponent for the Cardinal, who will need to find answers on both sides of the ball to compete effectively.

SMU Mustangs at Stanford Cardinal Pick: SMU Mustangs Against the Spread

The SMU Mustangs are poised to cover the spread against the Stanford Cardinal in their upcoming ACC matchup. The Mustangs have been on a tear this season, boasting a 5-1 record and a perfect 2-0 in conference play. Their offensive prowess is evident, averaging 40.8 points per game, largely thanks to the dynamic play of sophomore quarterback Kevin Jennings. Jennings has been a revelation, completing 66.7% of his passes for 1,014 yards, six touchdowns, and just one interception, while also adding 262 rushing yards and two scores to his impressive stat line. This offensive firepower has been complemented by standout tight end RJ Maryland, who has already set the SMU record for receiving touchdowns by a tight end and has been a key offensive weapon with 22 receptions for 304 yards and three touchdowns.

In contrast, the Stanford Cardinal have struggled significantly this season, holding a 2-4 record and 1-2 in the ACC. They have lost three consecutive games by substantial margins, including a 49-7 drubbing at the hands of Notre Dame. Stanford's defense has been porous, allowing an average of 30.8 points per game, and their offense has been inconsistent, with junior tight end Sam Roush and freshman running back Chris Davis Jr. unable to provide the necessary spark. Roush has recorded just 14 receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown this season, highlighting the challenges Stanford faces in generating offensive momentum.

Given the Mustangs' recent form and the Cardinal's struggles, SMU enters this game as a 15.5-point favorite. The Mustangs' explosive offense, led by Jennings and Maryland, is expected to be a significant test for Stanford's beleaguered defense. With SMU riding a wave of momentum following a bye week and a significant victory over then-No. 22 Louisville, they are well-positioned to extend their winning streak and cover the spread against a Stanford team that has yet to find its footing this season.

SMU Mustangs at Stanford Cardinal Top Player Prop Picks

RJ Maryland Over 304.5 Receiving Yards Season Total (-110) (BetMGM)

RJ Maryland has been a standout performer for the SMU Mustangs this season, already amassing 304 receiving yards at the midpoint of the season. As one of the top tight ends in the country, Maryland has been a key offensive weapon for the Mustangs, who are averaging 40.8 points per game. His ability to make big plays was evident in the season opener against Nevada, where he recorded eight receptions for 162 yards and a game-winning touchdown. Given his current form and the struggles of the Stanford defense, which has allowed an average of 30.8 points per game, Maryland is poised to exceed his season total in receiving yards. With SMU's high-powered offense and Maryland's proven track record, betting on him to surpass 304.5 receiving yards for the season seems a solid choice.

Kevin Jennings Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns (-120) (FanDuel)

Kevin Jennings has been a revelation for the SMU Mustangs, leading their explosive offense with precision and poise. Completing 66.7% of his passes for 1,014 yards and six touchdowns, Jennings has been instrumental in SMU's success this season. His ability to find the end zone is complemented by the presence of RJ Maryland, who has been a reliable target in the red zone. Facing a Stanford defense that has struggled to contain opponents, allowing significant point totals in recent games, Jennings is well-positioned to throw for multiple touchdowns. With the Mustangs' offensive momentum and Jennings' impressive form, the over on 1.5 passing touchdowns is a compelling prop bet.

Sam Roush Under 110.5 Receiving Yards Season Total (-115) (DraftKings)

Sam Roush, Stanford's starting tight end, has had a modest season thus far, recording 110 receiving yards through six games. In an offense where he is typically a third or fourth option, Roush has struggled to make a significant impact. With Stanford's offense facing challenges and the team enduring a tough stretch of losses, Roush's opportunities to increase his yardage have been limited. Given the current dynamics of the Cardinal's offensive scheme and the formidable challenge posed by SMU's defense, betting on Roush to remain under 110.5 receiving yards for the season appears to be a prudent choice.