Point Spread Favors the Cougars in NCAA College Football Battle with the SMU Mustangs

SMU visits Houston on Saturday, hoping to send the Cougars to a loss while also covering the spread in college football betting action at TDECU Stadium.

Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

Betting fans backing the Houston Cougars here saw them at Sportsbook as -8.5-point favorites in this college football clash. (Check back shortly for Sportsbook totals at sportsbooks tracked by Odds Shark as none was available at the time this preview was written.)

Earlier, Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game picked a 33-30 victory for the Cougars. That score may change during the week, if injury or weather factors alter the numbers, so check the college football picks page before game time. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NCAAF matchups here.

SMU Mustangs vs Houston Cougars Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

Houston will face the 4-1 SMU Mustangs, who own a 5-0 ATS mark on the season. In totals betting, the Houston Cougars are 0-4 so far this season while the Mustangs are 4-1. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Houston vs SMU injuries news.

The power rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Houston Cougars rated this week at No. 39 and the SMU Mustangs sitting at No. 64.

Statistical Matchup

Offensively, the game matches up the Houston Cougars No. 90-ranked offense (25.25 PPG) against a SMU Mustangs defense that ranks No. 94 at 30.2 PPG. The Houston Cougars passing attack has averaged 280.5 yards per game, less than the SMU Mustangs give up through the air (325 YPG on average).

In comparing defenses, the SMU Mustangs own the league's No. 103-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 254 yards per game when on the road. Houston, on the other hand, rates No. 98 this week in generating rushing yards at home.