SMU vs. Nevada Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Preston Stone, Mustangs Steamroll Wolfpack in Opener?
The SMU Mustangs are ready to flex their muscles against the lowly Nevada Wolfpack on Saturday evening to kick off the college football season. Can Preston Stone and the Mustangs deliver a beatdown on the road against the Wolfpack? NCAAF handicapper Peter Alexis is here to give his prediction and pick for this Week 0 opener of SMU vs. Nevada..
Peter Alexis - August 20, 2024, 5:05 PM EDT
7 minSMU vs. Nevada Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Preston Stone, Mustangs Steamroll Wolfpack in Opener?
SMU will head on the road to take on the Nevada Wolfpack on Saturday evening out west as part of college football's opening weekend. The Mustangs are looking to build off their 11-3 season from a year ago as they begin their foray into the ACC.
Preston Stone returns under center for an explosive SMU offense, and he will look to build off of last season's momentum. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns in his first year as the starter, and all of his top targets are returning to this unit. Jaylan Knighton and LJ Johnson will lead the charge out of the backfield, and they will look to put on a clinic against this weak Nevada defense who gave up 33.5 points per game en route to a 2-10 record.
SMU opened as a 22.5-point favorite earlier this summer, before catching steam up to as high as 27.5. The line has re-adjusted back to 25.5 on injury news of one of the Mustangs' top running backs in Camar Wheaton, but they will not fall far as heavy favorites. The moneyline odds have the SMU at a whopping -4000, making the Wolfpack a massive +1400 home underdog at nearly four touchdowns. Additionally, the point total has flown up to 56.5 after starting at 53.5 earlier this offseason.
NCAAF handicapper Peter Alexis is here to provide his prediction and pick for this opening weekend matchup of SMU vs. Nevada.
SMU vs. Nevada Start Time, Where To Watch, Odds
- Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024
- Game Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
SMU vs. Nevada Odds
- Spread: SMU -25.5 (-110), Nevada +25.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O 56.5 (-110), U 56.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: SMU (-4000), Nevada (+1400)
SMU vs. Nevada Injury Report
SMU
Questionable: N/A
Out: RB Camar Wheaton
Nevada
Questionable: N/A
Out: QB Chubba Purdy
SMU vs. Nevada Prediction
Nevada arrives to the 2024 season hoping to turn things around after a disastrous season. The Wolfpack went 2-10 last year, with most of their losses coming as double-digit blowouts. Brandon Lewis returns at quarterback for the Wolfpack after throwing for just 1,300 yards and two touchdowns last year in 10 total starts. He was able to use his legs effectively to amass nearly 500 yards on the ground, but added six interceptions when he wasn't running.
Unfortunately for the Wolfpack, it doesn't look like much is going to change this year. Their win total is set on the floor again at 2.5, and it's juiced to the under. Former Florida State and Nebraska QB Chubba Purdy was hoping to grab the starting role and aid Nevada to a stronger start, but injuries have hampered his offseason availability. They are now set to run into a loaded SMU buzzsaw in their first contest, and it will be a rude awakening for a squad with all new receivers and a lack of depth on offense.
Meanwhile, the SMU Mustangs rolled over the competition in the American Conference last year, going a perfect 8-0 in league play. They won the AAC Championship by double digits, and their only two losses were against Big 12 opponents in the non-conference schedule. Despite their successes, they delivered a disappointing performance in the Fenway Bowl against Boston College. They floundered in the rain against their new ACC foe, and will look to wipe that from their memories with an opening weekend beatdown.
It looks like they might be getting just what the doctor ordered to kick off their first year in the ACC. Preston Stone and the Mustangs will look to put together a hot start as they return most of their offense, and they have the perfect opponent in the Nevada Wolfpack. This spread has ballooned to four touchdowns after opening at -22.5 earlier this summer. They may be a slightly public side with more than 60% of the bets, but the money backs them up with over 85% flowing in on the Mustangs to cover the spread.
The Mustangs are also loaded up on the defensive side of the ball, returning their top 10 tacklers as well as new additions in the transfer portal. They already were a top-15 scoring defense a year ago, allowing just 19 points per game. While their competition will certainly improve this year, so will their talent level, and the oddsmakers know they are ready to compete. SMU has an 8.5 win total despite upgrading conferences to the ACC, and are ready to make some noise early. Let's back SMU to deliver a statement win on the road to let the rest of the league know they are coming. Nevada has a lot to figure out and has gone 2-9 against the spread at home in the last two years. It doesn't seem like they are going to overcome their struggles against the reloaded Mustangs.
SMU vs. Nevada Pick
- Pick: SMU -25.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds.
College Football Odds
