Louisiana Tech vs. SMU Prediction: Can Hank Bachmeier, LA Tech Bounce Back in Week 1?

Louisiana Tech vs. SMU Prediction: Can LA Tech Bounce Back in Week 1?

LTU did get a win in their Week 0 matchup against Florida International, but it was not pretty at all as they did not cover the spread from start to finish and needed a fourth-quarter comeback to win the game. Can I put together a better showing here? Let’s break it down.

Louisiana Tech vs. SMU Date, Time, Odds and Where to Watch

• Date: September 2, 2023
• Time: 12:00 pm ET
• Where to Watch: ESPNU

Click here for the latest Louisiana Tech vs. SMU odds

Louisiana Tech vs. SMU Prediction

Louisiana Tech found themselves in a nail-biter in their Week 0 matchup against Florida International as they actually trailed for most of the game before coming back late in the fourth quarter, notching a victory to start the year 1-0.

This was a fairly surprising game for Louisiana Tech as Florida International was one of the worst FBS teams last year in college football and really did not even play that well to keep this game close.

FIU’s quarterback, Grayson James, went 5-14 for only 4 total passing yards, and yet they were in the game. That’s right, 4 total passing yards. FIU was aided by two Louisiana Tech turnovers, but when you take a look at the box score, it tells a much different story than the final score does. Louisiana Tech gained 28 first downs to FIU’s 8. Louisiana Tech gained 447 total yards to FIU’s 182. Louisiana Tech went 50% on third downs while Florida International only converted 25% of their third downs, so this game really was a mystery when it comes to how it wasn’t a blowout in the end. The answer to that question really lies within Florida International's style of play.

They kept the ball on the ground to somewhat move the sticks which kept the clock running to at least give Florida International a chance. In the offseason, Louisiana Tech picked up Boise State transfer quarterback Hank Bachmeier, and there was a lot of hype surrounding Louisiana Tech and this bulldog offense as Bachmeier was a very productive quarterback during his time with the Broncos.

Bachmeier racked up over 300 yards passing in the game against Florida International, but they had trouble putting the ball in the end zone and finishing drives. I do think Louisiana Tech will have some positive regression in this department in this week 1 matchup against a fairly weak SMU defense.

Last season, SMU had a prolific offense but they simply made a ton of mistakes in a lot of games which prevented them from having a monster season. They always racked up a lot of yards but would seem to drop a key pass or have a key penalty during a critical moment in a game, which cost them either the win, or the spread betting-wise.

I expected the spread to be closer to 9 1/2 or 10 because Louisiana Tech really does have an abundance of talent on the offensive side of the ball and should be able to move the sticks and score some points on this weak SMU defense. SMU is a good team and should win this game but I just do not think they have the discipline and efficiency to win this game by 20+ points.

With that being said, I am rolling with LOUISIANA TECH +21 at -117 (bought hook) as one of my most confident college football plays of the day for Week 1 as I think the Bulldogs have the firepower on offense to keep this game somewhat close.

Louisiana Tech vs. SMU Pick

• PICK: LOUISIANA TECH +21 @ -117 (Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds)