How and what to watch for Memphis vs. SMU

It’s a rematch of the best AAC match up of 2019 as No . 25 Memphis heads down to Dallas to face off against the undefeated SMU Mustangs this weekend.

This should be an interesting game between two extremely explosive offenses. The Mustangs come into this game 3-0 after scoring a total of 115 points in their last two games. SMU started out kind of slow with a a nerve wracking one-score win over Texas State. But since then they’ve been rolling over opponents with ease. QB Shane Buechele has already thrown for 852 yards while completing almost 70% of his passes. The running game is no slouch either, as they average 267.7 yards per game on the ground. So they’re going to score a lot of points.

Memphis, much like SMU, has a high-powered offense. Though when this game kicks off, they won’t have played a game in a month because of a COVID outbreak after their 37-24 win over Arkansas State. QB Brady White threw for 280 yards in the win and RB Rodrigues Clark emerged as a play maker after Kenny Gainwell opted out of the season for health concerns. Add in wide out Damonte Coxie and there’s speed and talent across the field. Defensively Memphis has switched to a 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator Mike MacIntyre, and struggled against the Red Wolves at times. With only one game in a scheme, can they stop the Mustangs scoring machine?

Plus there’s a question of rust. Without playing in so long, will the Tigers start slow? That’s something no team can afford to do against SMU.

Game Time/TV Channel/Streaming

No. 25 Memphis vs SMU kicks off at 3:30 EST on ESPN

Point Spread, Totals, Odds, Trends

Point spread: Memphis (-2.5) vs SMU
Point Total: 74.5
Money line: Memphis (-130), SMU(+120)

• Memphis is 1-4 against the spread in their last five games
• Memphis are 5-0-1 against the spread in their last six match ups with SMU
• The total has gone over in 11 of SMU’s last 16 games.
• SMU is 13-3 straight up in their last 16 games.

The Best Bet

This is a tricky game to pick. When they’re rolling, these are two of the best offenses in the country, but that over is high, especially since one team could come out rusty. SMU has been rolling over lesser opponents and Memphis might still be finding itself in a new scheme.

Pick: SMU +2.5

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IN/NH/IA/CO/IL only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.