- Matchup: California Golden Bears versus SMU Mustangs
- Event Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Venue: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX
- Broadcast: CW
- Betting Odds: Mustangs favored by 19.5 points
- Over/Under Total: 52.5
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On Saturday, October 24, 2026, the SMU Mustangs (5-1) will play against the California Golden Bears (3-4) at the Gerald J. Ford Stadium. California enters this matchup as underdogs by 19.5 points, with the over/under set at 52.5.
The Golden Bears come into this game with a season record of 3-4. In their previous outing, they faced the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, suffering a defeat with a score of 41-7. During that game, California executed 68 plays, totaling 266 yards. Their ground game managed 75 yards through 21 attempts, averaging 3.6 yards per rush. Defensively, the Golden Bears allowed 220 rushing yards on 36 attempts, averaging 6.1 yards per rush conceded. In the air, California permitted 19 completions on 26 attempts for 289 yards, achieving a completion percentage of 73.1%.
In terms of scoring, the California Golden Bears average 23.9 points per game. Their ground game has yielded 90.3 rushing yards per contest, ranking them 137th in Division 1. For the season, California has accumulated a total of 2,649 yards. They have recorded 12 passing touchdowns and 7 rushing touchdowns, accumulating 145 first downs along the way. However, they have also incurred 62 penalties for a total of 575 yards and turned the ball over 8 times.
Defensively, the Golden Bears have allowed 1,444 passing yards this season, placing them at 92nd nationally. On average, they relinquish 206.3 yards per game through the air with a completion percentage against of 57.8%. Overall, California gives up 386.1 yards per game, ranking them 106th in Division 1. They have surrendered 10 touchdowns in the air and 15 on the ground, allowing an average of 5.0 yards per carry and 179.9 rushing yards per game this season. In total, their defense ranks 104th in Division 1, allowing 27.7 points per game.
The SMU Mustangs enter this clash with a favorable record of 5-1 this season. Their last performance was a win over the Virginia Cavaliers, clinching victory with a score of 23-13. SMU averaged 4.8 yards per rush, totaling 158 yards on 33 carries. They concluded that game with an overall yardage of 404 yards through 69 plays (averaging 5.9 yards per play). Defensively, the Mustangs allowed a completion rate of 59.1%, with 137 yards conceded on 13 completions out of 22 attempts. They gave up 121 rushing yards over 32 carries (3.8 yards per carry).
SMU’s offensive game plan averages 466.7 yards per game, ranking them 15th in Division 1. The Mustangs have accumulated 414 yards in penalties over 45 infractions, placing them 53rd nationally. Their ground game averages 141.5 rushing yards per game, with a season total of 849 yards. So far, they have thrown 5 interceptions and lost 4 fumbles, while securing 142 first downs. In terms of scoring, they are 46th in the country, averaging 32.7 points per game. For the season, SMU has thrown for a total of 1,951 yards, averaging 325.2 passing yards per game, which is 5th best in the nation.
Defensively, the Mustangs concede 21.3 points per contest, ranking them 47th in Division 1. They have given up a total of 829 rushing yards (138.2 yards per game) along with 7 rushing touchdowns this season. On passing defense, they have allowed 8 touchdowns and a mere 164.8 yards per game, positioning them 11th nationally. SMU’s defense has seen 369 plays, ranking them 17th in the nation. They have forced 4 fumbles and secured 2 interceptions this year, allowing a total of 128 points.
Who will emerge victorious in this Golden Bears vs. Mustangs college football matchup against the spread?
Expert Prediction: Back the Mustangs -19.5
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