SMU Mustangs vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Odds & Game Pick (2021)

This game is going to be a great game to watch if you like shootouts. SMU is averaging 41.6 points per game and a total of 498.5 yards. Cincinnati is averaging 39.2 yards per game and 417.7 total yards. These teams have been as efficient as you can be on offense, and both are balanced. They can run and pass to get to the endzone. This game is going to depend on what team can get a couple of stops on defense. Let us look into this matchup of two highly explosive teams. 

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Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Details

• Opening Lines: Cincinnati -12.5, Total 65.5
• Current Lines: Cincinnati -10, Total 64.5
• Last Game: October 24, 2020, Cincinnati 42-13

Overview

SMU has been phenomenal this year. They are 8-2 and have put up points on everyone that they have played. The concern with SMU is that they are 1-2 in their last three games, and before those three games, their schedule was weak. The majority of their games have been close. That is concerning when they are about to play the best team they have played all season by far. In addition, the betting line is starting to move in favor of Cincinnati by almost a field goal (currently 2.5 points). SMU's defense is giving up 26 points per game and 405.4 yards per game. That is going to be a factor in a matchup that is going to come down to defense. 

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Cincinnati is trying to go for an undefeated season and a chance for the college football playoffs. In the last game of the regular season, they play East Carolina. That means they will need to make an impression during this game to remain in the discussions about the playoff. That is a team that can score points. Not only can they score points, but they can play defense as well. They allow a low 16.2 points per game and only 315.9 yards per game. This Cincinnati team will be the best defense that SMU plays all year. Last year, SMU struggled to score against this fantastic Cincinnati defense. 

Bottom Line

Cincinnati crushed SMU last year, 42-13, and there is a good chance that we have a similar result this year. Cincinnati is a talented team on both sides of the ball. They are playing for something, a chance to be in the college football playoffs for the first time. They need to make an impression on the committee to have the slightest chance of getting there. There is more value coming as the line starts to move in favor of Cincinnati. The betting line at -10 is good, but anything less is fantastic. I am taking the value play and the team that was better last year. Take the value when you can get it. 

Pick: Cincinnati -10 (-110)

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Cameron Lynch is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Cameron, check out his archive and follow him @captron26.