SMU vs Virginia Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Nov 22, 2024 4:35 PM ET

Does seem a little strange that absolutely no one is talking about SMU in the College Football Playoff chase?

It’s playing well enough to get by Virginia this week and Cal next week, and at that point, with an 11-1 record with the only loss coming by three to BYU, could it be a Power Four team with 11 wins that gets left out if it were to lose the ACC Championship?

Virginia has battles. It lost three of the last four games, but it’s 5-5 with a shot to go bowling with a win this week or at Virginia Tech to follow.

SMU vs Virginia: How to Watch and Game Preview

Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
How To Watch: ESPN2
Venue: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA
Teams: Virginia (5-5), SMU (9-1)
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Why SMU Will Win

The SMU offense has been relentless- especially in the first half.

Great on third downs, balanced, and explosive, the attack sets paces that no one can match. So far this season the Mustangs are up 237-105 in the first halves of games, and then the offense keeps rolling the the clock from there.

Teams also have to press to keep up, and while there aren’t a ton of takeaways flowing form the SMU D, they might be coming.

Virginia gave it up five times against Notre Dame and ten times over the last four games. But …

Why Virginia Will Win

The Cavaliers have the passing game to keep up.

They struggled against the Irish, but the offense was effective - even if the yards weren’t there - against Pitt in a key win a few weeks ago. The attack will at least keep pressing the SMU D, and it’s not just by bombing away.

As long as Anthony Colandrea is hitting over 60% of his throws, this should be a fight. However …

SMU vs Virginia: Who Will Win?

The Virginia defense allows way too many offenses to connect.

Six times this year the Cavs allows passers to hit 60% of more of their passes, and SMU should add to the list. The Mustangs aren’t always consistent with the accuracy, but the production is there.

At home, Virginia will make this a four quarter battle and stay alive - this won’t be a repeat of the blowout against North Carolina a few weeks ago - but SMU will get the job done and keep moving on with one big fourth quarter drive to take control.