SMU vs. Nevada College Football Week 0 Preview and Prediction

SMU Is Poised for Dominance

The SMU Mustangs are set for another explosive season, fueled by returning playmakers and bolstered by the transfer portal. Last year, they ranked 16th nationally in total offense and eighth in scoring, showcasing remarkable efficiency across the board. The ground game is expected to remain strong, but it’s the passing attack that truly drives this offense.

Quarterback Preston Stone had a standout season, throwing 28 touchdown passes with just six interceptions in 12 games, while also contributing on the ground. He effectively distributes the ball, and with the top seven receivers returning, the passing game should continue to excel.

Leading receiver Jake Bailey offers reliability, but tight end RJ Maryland is the true star, finishing second on the team in receptions and adding seven touchdowns. With a loaded receiving corps and a solid offensive line featuring star players like OG Logan Parr and OT Justin Osborne, Stone will have ample protection to make plays.

While Stone can run, the rushing attack will be spearheaded by the trio of Jaylan Knighton, LJ Johnson, and Camar Wheaton, who are projected to combine for over 1,500 yards, averaging more than five yards per carry.

The Defense Will Be Elite

Offense aside, it was the defense that propelled SMU to the AAC Championship. The pass rush was formidable, creating big plays and generating points.

With most key players returning, the defense is poised to make a significant impact in the ACC. The pass rush, led by Elijah Roberts (9.5 sacks last season), will be a challenge for ACC opponents. The interior line, strengthened by transfers like Jonathan Jefferson (Georgia), Anthony Booker (Arkansas), and Mike Lockhart (West Virginia), adds depth and talent.

The Mustangs return 10 of their top 11 tacklers, including the disruptive linebacker duo of Kobe Wilson and Ahmad Walker, who were AAC all-stars and finished 1-2 in tackles. Safeties Isaiah Nwokobia and Jonathan McGill, who were third and fourth in tackles, respectively, add stability to the defense.

Although the corners aren’t as strong, the addition of Texas A&M transfer Deuce Harmon should provide a boost.

Nevada’s Uphill Battle

Nevada head coach Jeff Choate’s defensive mindset puts pressure on offensive coordinator Matt Lubick, who has a decade of experience at programs like Kansas, Nebraska, Washington, and Oregon. Lubick’s challenge is to revitalize a Nevada offense that struggled mightily, scoring more than 28 points just once in the last 21 games.

The offensive line must improve significantly, as it was among the worst in the nation in tackles for loss allowed. With some returning starters like Isaiah World at left tackle and new depth from the transfer portal, there’s hope for better protection.

The running backs, led by former Oregon standout Sean Dollars, who rushed for 527 yards last season, and incoming Boston College transfer Patrick Garwo, should thrive if the line can create space.

Quarterback Brendon Lewis struggled behind a porous line, throwing only two touchdown passes with four interceptions in 12 games, but he’s a mobile threat. Chubba Purdy, a transfer from Florida State, will push Lewis for the starting job.

However, the receiving corps is a major concern, having lost all significant contributors. West Virginia transfer Cortez Braham and Nate Burleson II, recovering from a broken wrist, will need to step up.

Can the Defense Improve?

Defensively, Nevada was just as bad as the offense. New defensive coordinator Kane Ioane, from Boise State, faces the daunting task of rebuilding a line that was ineffective against the run and failed to pressure the quarterback.

The linebacking corps, however, should be a strength, despite the loss of top pass rusher Marcel Walker-Burgess to the transfer portal. Veteran Drue Watts and solid middle linebacker Tongiaki Mateialona will lead the defense.

While the defensive front needs help from new additions like Wisconsin transfer Kaden Johnson, the secondary shows promise, especially at cornerback with KK Meier. The safety duo of Kitan Crawford and Keyshawn Cobb will be key to any defensive improvement.

The Pick

As SMU transitions to the ACC this season, they stand out as a team that’s well-prepared for the challenge, unlike some other programs that have struggled in similar moves. The Mustangs leave the AAC as reigning champions, returning nearly every key player, including their quarterback Stone.

However, it’s their defense, which ranked sixth in defensive success rate and seventh in EPA last season, that will likely cause problems for Nevada’s offensive line, which ranked 121st in sacks allowed per game.

As kickoff approaches, I’m leaning towards taking the Under on Nevada’s team total. For now, I’ll take the Under in this game as Nevada is unlikely to contribute much to the final score.

Under 57.5 (-110)

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