It would seem as though there are always going to be some unhappy people, no matter what the top brass in college football decides to do. Before the playoff system, people constantly argued about the top two selections to play in the National Championship Game, and now they argue that teams outside the Power 5 conferences should not be ignored when it comes time for the playoff committee to choose their final four at the end of the season.
The reality is that few teams outside of those conferences would be able to routinely compete with the biggest names in the power conferences, although the UCF Knights would argue that point. They went unbeaten last season and then beat Auburn in a bowl game, after which they crowned themselves the unofficial National Champions. The title doesn’t count, but this team is making it harder and harder for people to ignore them, as they are once again off to a dominant start and in as the #12 team in the country. They will host the SMU Mustangs this week as a 24.5-point favorite, with the point total set at 75.
SMU vs UCF NCAA Football Week 6 Lines & Analysis
“We know they’re going to get our best.” – Coach Heup
More Heupel Hits from after practice today 👇 pic.twitter.com/CR1DtGBNqH — UCF Football (@UCF_Football) 4 de octubre de 2018
- When: Saturday, October 6 at 7 PM EST
- Where: Spectrum Stadium, Orlando
- TV: ESPNU
- Radio: TuneIn
- Live Stream: Watch ESPN
- NCAA Football Week 6 Lines: UCF -24.5 (Total 75.5)
Maryland vs Michigan College Football Week 6 Odds & Preview
Weather Forecast
- Clear: 28°C/82°F
- Humidity: 63%
- Precipitation: 2%
- Cloud Cover: 22%
- Wind: 10 mph E
- Stadium Type: Open
Why bet on the SMU Mustangs?
After a 0-3 start to the season, the Mustangs have righted the ship a little by winning back to backs games, one of which came as a 6 ½ point underdog against Navy a couple of weeks ago. They would appear to be in a little bit of trouble here, but it might be wise to look at this match-up last season, where the Mustangs came close to knocking off UCF, losing that one 31-24 as a 14-point underdog.
That game was played at home, though, so we can probably expect things to be a little different on the road, where they have won just 1 game in their last 7 trips. They have also not been a good ATS bet in road games, covering just twice in their last 9. They are 1-7 SU versus UCF in their last 8 meetings.
Team Stats
Offense- Average Score For: 29.80
- Total Yards: 358.80
- Rush Yards: 129.40
- Passing Yards: 229.40
- Average Score Against: 38.00
- Total Yards: 406.20
- Rush Yards: 184.20
- Passing Yards: 222.00
Why bet on the UCF Knights?
The Knights are once again off to a flying start, winning all 4 of their games comfortably, while also being forced to sit out a week due to inclement weather. The question now is whether this team deserves a shot at the playoffs if they once again go unbeaten, especially if you only have one or two of the Power 5 teams going unbeaten during the course of the regular season.
UCF is certainly doing all they can to impress the playoff committee, averaging close to 49 PPG through their opening 4 games. They have been especially lethal running the football, which is bad news for an SMU team that has been leaky against the run. The Knights are 3-1 ATS this season and 6-1 ATS in their last 7 overall.
Team Stats
Offense- Average Score For: 48.75
- Total Yards: 582.75
- Rush Yards: 272.75
- Passing Yards: 310.00
- Average Score Against: 16.75
- Total Yards: 365.50
- Rush Yards: 206.50
- Passing Yards: 159.00
SMU vs UCF NCAA Football Week 6 Betting Trends
- Southern Methodist is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
- Southern Methodist is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of Southern Methodist’s last 9 games
- Central Florida is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
- Central Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of Central Florida’s last 9 games
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for SMU vs UCF
The inability of the Mustangs to stop the run is what is going to kill them in this one. I look for the Knights to run the ball down their throat all day before hitting them with the occasional deep ball. A big win here for UCF.
Score: SMU Mustangs 17 – UCF Knights 51
