Southern Methodist Mustangs - NCAA Football Odds, Lines & Betting

The Mustangs were 4-4 in conference play last year and should be in good shape with 16 returning starters on both sides of the ball. SMU returns nine on offense led by Justin Willis (67.4%, 2,047 yards, 26 TD, 6 INT), who sparked the Mustangs to 40th in the nation in scoring offense.  DeMyron Martin is looking to bounce back after an injury-plagued 2006 campaign, and his production out of the backfield will take some of the pressure off Willis. 

Receiver Emmanuel Sanders (46 receptions, 605 yards, 9 TD) is also back, but he could face more double-teams with the loss of fellow receiver Bobby Chase.  If Ben Poynter can make a smooth transition from center to left tackle, it could be a very explosive year for the Mustang offense. SMU’s defense, however, was a Jekyll and Hyde act, ranking 24th in the NCAA in rushing defense, but near the bottom (No. 110 overall among Division 1 schools) in passing defense.  Seven starters return, but three players are gone from the defensive line, which means linebackers Reggie Carrington and Wilton McCray could have a larger role in the defensive scheme.  The graduation of Joe Sturdivant is also a big knock to the Mustangs, as the defensive back added tenacity, experience, and grit.  The secondary will need to be a community effort to compensate for Sturdivant’s absence. 

Texas Tech visits SMU to open the season, and the Mustangs also head to Southern Mississippi and Houston for tough conference games.  SMU was on the verge of a breakout year in 2006, but dropped four of their final games, so late-season mental toughness will be preached by coach Phil Bennett.  If the defense can find suitable replacements for Sturdivant, and the secondary can gel quickly, the Mustangs will improve on last season’s record.

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