SMU vs. BYU Week 2 Preview: Can the Cougars Upset the High-Powered Mustangs?
SMU hosts BYU in a pivotal Week 2 matchup. Can BYU’s improved offense keep up with SMU’s explosive firepower? Preview, predictions, and analysis.
Bollywood Fever: Week 2 of the 2024 college football season heats up as SMU hosts BYU in a key non-conference matchup between ACC and Big 12 teams. Both squads are looking to prove their worth as the season unfolds, with SMU eyeing a strong ACC run and BYU working to bounce back after a disappointing 2023.
Game Details
- Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas
- Date & Time: Friday, Sept. 6, 7 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN2
- Spread: SMU -10.5
- Over/Under: 55.5
- Announcers: Anish Schroff, Andre Ware, Paul Carcaterra
Why BYU Will Win
BYU is coming off a promising 41-13 win over Southern Illinois in Week 1, led by quarterback Jake Retzlaff. Retzlaff, who threw for 348 yards and three touchdowns in his season debut, could exploit an SMU defense that has seen some turnover at cornerback. The ground game, with the duo of LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati, also looks solid, after rushing for a combined 124 yards last week.
Defensively, BYU showed improvement by limiting Southern Illinois to just 231 total yards, and coach Kalani Sitake’s team has bolstered its defense with key transfers like linebacker Jack Kelly and defensive back Marque Collins. The Cougars will look to apply pressure and slow down SMU’s offense, hoping for a bend-but-don’t-break performance.
Why SMU Will Win
SMU’s offense is loaded with firepower, averaging 44 points per game through two contests. Quarterback Preston Stone is coming off a season-ending injury last year but has already thrown for 332 yards and three touchdowns this season. With a wealth of offensive talent, including Miami transfer Brashard Smith and a deep receiver corps featuring Jake Bailey, Key’Shawn Smith, and tight end RJ Maryland, SMU’s high-octane offense presents a major challenge for BYU’s defense.
The Mustangs’ defense, which allowed just 17.8 points per game last season, is another strength. With six returning starters and reinforcements from the transfer portal, SMU’s defensive unit is capable of making it difficult for BYU’s offense to find rhythm.
Final Analysis
Both teams are looking to establish themselves early in the season, but SMU’s offensive depth and solid defensive unit give them the edge in this contest. While BYU showed promise in Week 1, the Cougars may struggle to keep pace with SMU’s high-powered attack. Expect BYU to hang around, but SMU should pull away late.
Prediction: SMU 34, BYU 24
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