Boston College vs SMU: Predictions, Odds, and Analysis for Saturday’s ACC Showdown

The No. 14 SMU Mustangs are set to host the Boston College Eagles in an ACC matchup on Saturday, November 16, at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. SMU, with an impressive 8-1 overall record and a 5-0 start in their first season in the ACC, is favored heavily against the 5-4 Boston College Eagles.

SMU has been on a remarkable run since Kevin Jennings took over as the full-time quarterback, leading the team to a six-game winning streak. The Mustangs are coming off a dominant 48-25 win over No. 18 Pittsburgh and are looking to continue their undefeated streak in ACC play.

Boston College, under the leadership of head coach Bill O’Brien, has had a mixed season but showed resilience by snapping a three-game losing streak with a 37-31 victory over Syracuse last week. However, the Eagles face a significant challenge with the loss of quarterback Thomas Castellanos, who exited the game against Syracuse with a leg injury and has since announced his intention to leave the program. Grayson James will take over the quarterback duties for Boston College.

The odds heavily favor SMU, with a spread of 19 points and a moneyline of -1000 compared to Boston College’s +625. The over/under is set at 54 points. Despite the significant spread, analysts suggest that Boston College could keep the game competitive, given their history of close matches and ability to stay in games. However, SMU’s strong defense, particularly against the run, and their offensive versatility are expected to give them the edge they need to secure a win.

The model simulations and expert predictions indicate that while SMU is likely to win, the game might not be a blowout. Boston College has a 19.4% chance of winning, according to CFN’s Football Playoff Meter, but is expected to make the game a tight, back-and-forth battle.

In terms of betting, the under 54 points is a popular pick due to the expectation that SMU will control the game and limit Boston College’s scoring opportunities. However, some analysts suggest that Boston College +19.5 could be a tempting option given the Eagles’ ability to stay competitive.