SMU vs #22 Louisville: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | October 5, 2024

In Week 6, the Mustangs are riding a wave of momentum with two impressive wins, but questions linger about the quality of their opponents. As they prepare to face Louisville—a team looking to rebound after a tough loss—this matchup will test whether SMU can maintain its high level of play. Is SMU for real, or will the Cardinals deliver a reality check?

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College football 2024: 15-15-1 (+3.95 Units)

Week 5 college football: 8-6 (+1.92 Units)

SMU vs #22 Louisville Odds

SMU Vs Louisville odds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Football games.

Spread

SMU: +7.0 (-112)

Louisville: -7.0 (-108)

Total

Over: 56.5 (-105)

Under: 56.5 (-115)

Moneyline

SMU: +200

Louisville: -240

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SMU vs #22 Louisville Predictions

The Mustangs have been on a hot streak over the past two weeks, defeating TCU by double digits as home underdogs and then beating Florida State by 26 points as six-point favorites. While these victories are impressive, it's worth noting that Florida State isn't quite the powerhouse it used to be, and TCU isn't the same team we saw two years ago.

Looking closer at the TCU game, the Horned Frogs outgained the Mustangs by over 100 yards. Yes, they were down by 20 points and had to throw the ball, but they also hurt themselves with five turnovers (two interceptions and three fumbles lost). Meanwhile, SMU dominated on the ground, racking up nearly 250 rushing yards. If TCU hadn't turned the ball over so many times, the game would have been much tighter.

As for the victory over Florida State, that was expected. The Seminoles are more than just a dumpster fire—they're a landfill up in flames. SMU played a flawless game, forcing three interceptions, accumulating over 450 total yards, and averaging 6.2 yards per play.

Game time is set!

🆚 SMU
📅 Saturday, Oct. 5
🕛 Noon
📺 ESPN or ESPN2 #GoCards pic.twitter.com/jBU1PUVJ9S

— Louisville Football (@LouisvilleFB) September 23, 2024

If you're not catching my drift, SMU is playing well above expectations and is due for some regression. After two straight double-digit victories at home, they now have to travel to Louisville to face a Cardinals team fresh off a 31-24 loss to Notre Dame. Louisville has already defeated Georgia Tech 31-19, a team that beat Florida State in Dublin during Week 0. That really highlights how impressive it is to beat the Seminoles this season.

The Cardinals are no slouches; they rank 33rd in yards allowed per game, giving up under 330 yards. Their offense is also solid, sitting at 24th in points per game with an average of 34.7 (and 40 at home). They also rank 27th in total yards per game at 445.7. In contrast, SMU allows 25 points per game and gives up about 350 yards.

I believe this is the perfect opportunity for Louisville to bounce back after their loss to Notre Dame, while it could be a major letdown spot for SMU following their two dominant wins. This matchup will reveal a lot about both teams.

Prediction: Louisville Wins

Best Bet: Louisville (-7.0) on BetOnline

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