Audio By Carbonatix
With the Big 12 seemingly back together since the Pac 12 didn’t want ’em, SMU is back in play as a potential member in the wake of Texas A&M’s expected departure.
But before the Mustangs play with the big boys, they need to beat the little ones.
They have a chance to do that Saturday. And oddsmakers think they will do just that, by a whopping 22 points.
Can’t remember the last time SMU was favored by 22 over anyone. Much less on the road. Memphis must suck. Sure enough.
The Tigers beat Austin Peay, 27-6, last week for its first win after blowout losses to Mississippi State (by 45 points) and Arkansas State (44). After allowing an average of 628 yards to those foes, defensive coordinator Jay Hopson resigned. Even in a loss, Austin Peay ran up 368 yards on Memphis.
Since the Mustangs were embarrassed by A&M in the opener in College Station, June Jones’ team has bounced back with impressive wins over UT-El Paso and Northwestern State. The Ponies have committed to J.J. McDermott at quarterback and their passing game should overwhelm the Tigers in the Liberty Bowl.
But by three touchdowns?
Yep.
Probably a good thing there is no line on Cowboys-Redskins because of Tony Romo’s uncertain status. One week I gave their opponent too many points and last week I didn’t give enough belief in their offense.
Memphis has one of the nation’s worst defenses, a freshman quarterback and a coaching staff in disarray. As long as SMU doesn’t get caught looking ahead to TCU next week and the Big 12 down the road, the Mustangs will pass this easy test.
I started with a mythical bankroll of $10,000, courtesy of bodog. First of all, because their site is easy to navigate. Second, because they’re based in Costa Rica and have had minimal success tracking me down in the past.
I’ll analyze games/wagers of local interest each weekend and make a wager every Thursday. With any luck, by Christmas it’ll be iPads and iCandy for everyone.
STARTING BANKROLL: $10,000
CURRENT BANKROLL: $8,575
SEASON RECORD: 1-2
LAST WEEK: 0-1 (-$825)
THIS WEEK: SMU minus-22 over Memphis ($500)
