The Southern Methodist University football team will play its second college football bowl game in as many years when the Mustangs play Army at Noon ET Thursday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. Army players will be excited to play this game, the first bowl for the service adademy in 14 years. College football oddsmakers at most offshore sports wagering sites list the Mustangs as 7 point spreads favorites versus Army with a 51 1/2 total. Be sure to get the latest College Football Point Spreads for all the 2010-11 bowl season.
College football gamblers seem to favor the Mustangs at the betting window for this game with 83 percent of early bets on SMU. The Mustangs are also a favorite among gamblers to win SU as 72 percent have placed moneyline bets on SMU. In totals betting, the UNDER is expected to cash on the posted 51 1/2 total.
Army became bowl qualified based on its minimum 6-6 season. The Black Knights were strongest on the road in 2010 winning four of six games away from West Point. Against the betting spread Army was also good in road games going 4-2, while the OVER cashed in four of six games in totals betting.
SMU was one win better this season than Army going 7-6 SU while going 6-7 against the spreads. At home SMU covered enjoyed a 4-2 SU record while going 3-3 against the spreads. In nine games played, the UNDER was the best totals bet.
SMU and Army could not be more different in playing styles, as the Mustangs operate a fast paced run and shoot offense employed by head coach June Jones, while Army, much like the other service academies, likes the triple-option running approach. Army has the 10th ranked rushing offense nationally, averaging 256 yards per game.
It will be interesting to see how SMU performs on its home field for this bowl game. The Mustangs passing game was pretty much shut down by Central Florida in the C-USA Champinship game so at least they've had a few weeks to fix those issues. The Mustangs will need to score points and keep Army off the field if they expect to win. With the Black Knights option running game, they will chew up plenty of clock.
Don't look for a blow out win and it would be shocking if SMU wins the game by more than a touchdown. The best bet is probably taking Army and the +7 points.
