SMU Mustangs (11-2) vs. Boston College Eagles (6-6)
SMU Mustangs vs. Boston College Eagles – The upcoming NCAAF Fenway Bowl on Thursday, presents an intriguing matchup between the SMU Mustangs, holding an impressive 11-2 record, and the Boston College Eagles Eagles, standing at an even 6-6. Scheduled at Fenway Park with live coverage on ESPN, this game is a key focus for fans seeking free college football bowl predictions.
SMU Mustangs vs. Boston College Eagles Game Info
| When: | Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 11:00 AM ET |
| Where: | Fenway Park |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Kevin Jennings QB vs. Thomas Castellanos QB
Kevin Jennings has put together an efficient season for the Mustangs, completing 64.9% of his passes for 427 yards, 7.5 yards per attempt, and 4 touchdowns against 2 interceptions while taking just 3 sacks. Jennings excels at quick decision making and spreading the ball around SMU’s talented receiving corps. His accuracy and avoidance of turnovers will be key against a Boston College secondary that has struggled with giving up the big play.
Meanwhile, Thomas Castellanos heads an Eagles passing attack that averages 236 yards per game. On the year, he has completed 57.1% of his throws for 2,146 yards, 6.9 yards per attempt and 15 touchdowns versus 13 picks. Castellanos can be pressured into mistakes against heavy blitzes but has shown flashes of high-level play when given time in the pocket. His rapport with top target Lewis Bond will be vital to any upset hopes for the Eagles.
SMU’s Multifaceted Offense Poses Problems
The Mustangs boast one of the most potent and balanced offenses in the nation, putting up 41 points and 485 yards per contest. With weapons like running back Jaylan Knighton (720 rush yards, 5.6 ypc, 7 TD) and wideout Jake Bailey (474 rec yards, 13.2 ypr) complementing Jennings, SMU has the talent to give the Eagles defense fits throughout. If Jennings can distribute effectively and keep drives going on third down, Boston College will have little answer in slowing down this group.
Boston College Looks for Fenway Magic
While SMU has soared to new heights as a program, Boston College limps into this matchup after a disappointing regular season. However, the Eagles showed some life towards the end of their schedule, pulling out much-needed wins over NC State and Syracuse. Running back Kye Robichaux (691 rush yards, 4.6 ypc, 7 TD) and receiver Lewis Bond (611 rec yards, 12.7 ypr, 7 TD) lead an offense that has had its moments. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos must value possession and convert red zone trips to keep pace on Thursday. If the Eagles lean on their ground game and control time of possession, pulling off the upset in their home stadium remains possible.
NCAAF Betting Odds: SMU Mustangs -405, Over/Under: 49.5
The betting odds heavily favor SMU, reflecting their stronger season performance. The over/under at 49.5 points indicates expectations for a moderately high-scoring game.
SMU Mustangs Betting Trends
Southern Methodist are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Southern Methodist’s last 7 games.
Southern Methodist are 9-0 SU in their last 9 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Southern Methodist’s last 10 games played in December.
Southern Methodist are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games played on a Thursday.
Southern Methodist are 10-0 SU in their last 10 games when playing as the favourite.
Boston College Eagles Betting Trends
Boston College are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Boston College’s last 14 games.
Boston College are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games against an opponent in the American Athletic Conference conference.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston College’s last 5 games played in December.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston College’s last 7 games played on a Thursday.
Boston College are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games when playing as the underdog.
SMU Mustangs vs. Boston College Eagles Betting Picks
Given the trends and statistics, SMU stands out as the stronger team both offensively and defensively. Their ability to cover spreads and maintain a strong winning streak makes them a solid pick. However, Boston College’s resilience, especially against AAC teams, should not be underestimated.
For those interested in USA betting websites, the smart money might be on SMU to cover the spread, considering their dominant form. The over/under is a trickier bet, given both teams’ tendencies to be involved in high-scoring games, but the trend leans slightly towards the over.
Receiving Yards Prop: SMU 35, Boston College 20.
