Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs SMU Mustangs Point Spread Picks

Both these teams have mirrored each other over two games. They have both been able to generate a lot of points, doing so with a very balanced attack. The point of separation for this game is the SMU Mustangs have allowed just 21 points and Louisiana Tech has allowed 77, including 42 to SE Louisiana who went for nearly 500 passing yards and 600 total yards. That has to be deeply troubling as SMU will be the best offense they have seen this season, and the Mustangs appear to have a better defense than they have had in the recent past. LA Tech has survived on turnovers and needed a pick-6 to beat the SE Louisiana team a home. Mustangs have the edge on both sides of the line of scrimmage and the LA Tech defense was exposed last week. Now they have to face a better offense and better defense on the road, and I don't think they are up to the challenge. Make the play on SMU.

MIAMI BEACH BOWL - Louisiana Tech had a winning road mark this season and worked hard to get this Bowl game, winning its final two games 42-21 and 20-6. Louisiana Tech has excellent balance on offense behind QB J'Mar Smith (13 TDs, five INTS) and RBs Boston Scott (937 yards, 5.7 yards per carry) and Jarred Craft (516 yards, 4.6 ypc). The Bulldogs have gone to a Bowl game in four straight years under coach Skip Holtz. Louisiana Tech is one of nine programs in the country that enters the postseason with three straight Bowl game wins. The Bulldogs are playing their third Bowl game in the past four years in Texas after winning the Dallas Bowl in 2014 and the Armed Forces Bowl in Forth Worth last year. The defense can do a lot of things behind defensive end Jaylon Ferguson (26.5 career sacks) and a strong secondary with senior safety Secdrick Cooper (two interceptions) and cornerback Amik Robertson (four interceptions, two sacks). La Tech faces a Southern Methodist squad that is favored, but has lost three of its last four games and is terrible on defense. The Mustangs' defense allowed at least 31 points in its final five games. SMU is ranked #113 in the nation in points allowed (35.1 per game), #122 in total yards (422 pg), and #113 in rushing yards surrendered (213.3 pg). SMU is 14-6 UNDER the total after a straight-up win, so the wagering value is on the underdog with the balanced offense and better defense to win a low-scoring duel. Play both Louisiana Tech on the moneyline and the UNDER.