A head-to-head series that has been characterized by high-scoring affairs will be renewed on Friday when the Temple Owls host the SMU Mustangs in an American Athletic Conference game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The last five matchups between the teams have featured one team scoring at least 45 points. The average combined total points scored in those five games has been 81.8. The last time these teams met, in November 2020, the Mustangs blew out the Owls, 47-23. This year, SMU (4-2 overall, 2-0 in AAC) and Temple (2-5, 0-3) sit at opposite ends of the AAC standings. Temple quarterback E.J. Warner (concussion) is a game-time decision.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. The Mustangs are 23.5-point favorites in the latest SportsLine consensus SMU vs. Temple odds, while the over/under for total points scored is 54.5. Before making any Temple vs. SMU picks, you need to see the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Since its inception, the proprietary computer model has generated a stunning profit of more than $2,000 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed the model has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on SMU vs. Temple and identified its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's CFB picks. Here are several college football odds and trends for Temple vs. SMU:
- SMU vs. Temple spread: Mustangs -23.5
- SMU vs. Temple over/under: 54.5 points
- SMU vs. Temple money line: Mustangs -2368, Owls +1122
- SMU: The Mustangs are sixth in the nation in fumbles lost (one)
- TEM: The Owls rank seventh in the country in penalty yards per game (32.57)
- SMU vs. Temple: See picks at SportsLine
- SMU vs. Temple live stream: fubo (try for free)
Why SMU can cover
The Mustangs face a Temple defense that has been one of the worst in the country this season. The Owls rank 120th in the nation in scoring defense (35.6 points per game) and 117th in total defense (438.4 yards per game). They have struggled as much against the run and pass, ranking 126th in both rush defense (206.7) and pass efficiency defense (166.85).
By contrast, SMU has one of the best defenses in the AAC this season. The Mustangs rank in the top three in the conference in several categories, including defensive touchdowns (first), first down defense (first), passing yards allowed (first), red zone defense (second), rushing defense (third), scoring defense (first), team sacks (third) and total defense (first). SMU is allowing 16.85 fewer points per game in 2023 compared to last season. See which team to pick here.
Why Temple can cover
The Owls have a solid one-two punch at running back in Joquez Smith and Darvon Hubbard. A 5-foot-8, 190-pound freshman from Tampa, Fla., Smith averages 4.8 yards per carry. In Week 3, he earned his first career start and rushed for 142 yards against Norfolk State. Meanwhile Hubbard, a 6-foot sophomore, averages 4.5 yards per carry. The two running backs have combined to score three touchdowns this season.
In addition, Temple faces a SMU offense that is coming off arguably its worst game of the season. Last week against East Carolina, the Mustangs set season lows in total yards (334) and rushing yards (58). Their 5.5 yards per play average was the offense's second worst this season. See which team to pick here.
How to make SMU vs. Temple picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over the point total, predicting a combined 60 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits more than 50% of the time. You can see the model's CFB picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Temple vs. SMU, and which side of the spread hits more than 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has notched a profit of more than $2,000 on its top-rated college football spread picks, and find out.
