SMU vs. Nevada Set to Kick Off College Football Season

Reno, Nevada – The 2024 college football season is set to commence with an exciting matchup between the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs and the University of Nevada Wolf Pack on Saturday, August 24.

The game will mark the head coaching debut of Jeff Choate for the Wolf Pack, who are looking to bounce back from a challenging season in which they finished with a 2-10 overall record and tied for 10th place in the Mountain West Conference with a 2-6 record.

In contrast, the Mustangs had a successful previous season, finishing first in the American Athletic Conference with an impressive 8-0 record and an overall record of 11-3. As of last month, SMU has joined the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), further enhancing its competitive profile.

Kicking off at 8 p.m. ET at Mackay Stadium, SMU enters the game favored by 27.5 points. The over/under for total points scored in this matchup is set at 55.5.

Last season, SMU showcased a potent offense, averaging 454.9 yards per game, ranking eighth in the nation. In contrast, Nevada struggled offensively, averaging only 300 yards per game.

SMU’s offense is highlighted by junior tight end R.J. Maryland, who demonstrated his skills by accumulating 61 receptions for 808 yards and 13 touchdowns over two seasons. Maryland’s performance includes a standout game in the AAC Championship against Tulane, where he secured five catches for 56 yards.

Defensively, SMU returns a key player in senior linebacker who recorded 80 tackles last season, emphasizing his importance to the team’s defensive strategy. His contributions were particularly evident in the AAC Championship game, where he registered 11 tackles.

On the other hand, Nevada hopes to improve its receiving corps, bolstered by the return of redshirt sophomore tight end Cameron Zeidler. He notched 10 receptions for 103 yards and one touchdown last season, showcasing potential for growth.

Additionally, senior linebacker on the Wolf Pack’s defense recorded 53 tackles in 2023, demonstrating his ability to make significant defensive plays, including forced fumbles and a season-high eight tackles during a matchup last season.

As anticipation builds for the game, SportsLine’s model predicts a total of 66 combined points, suggesting a high-scoring contest. The betting model indicates a favored side hitting with nearly 60% accuracy.

«, «ProperNouns»: «Southern Methodist University, SMU, University of Nevada, Wolf Pack, Jeff Choate, Mountain West Conference, American Athletic Conference, AAC, Atlantic Coast Conference, ACC, R.J. Maryland, Tulane, Cameron Zeidler