- Matchup: SMU Mustangs vs. Louisville Cardinals
- Event Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Venue: L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, Louisville, KY
- Broadcast: ESPN+
- Betting Odds: Cardinals favored by 2.5 points
- Over/Under Total: 59 points
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On Saturday, September 19, 2026, the SMU Mustangs (2-0) travel to L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium to face off against the Louisville Cardinals (1-1). The Mustangs come into this contest as 2.5-point underdogs, with the total set at 59 points.
The SMU Mustangs are off to a solid start this season, boasting a 2-0 record. In their most recent game, they triumphed over the UC Davis Aggies, winning decisively with a score of 56-10. Defensively, the Mustangs limited their opponents to 62 rushing yards on 24 attempts, averaging just 2.6 yards per rush. Through the air, they allowed 19 completions on 36 attempts for 171 passing yards, translating to a 52.8% completion rate. Overall, SMU executed 56 plays for a total of 547 yards, while accumulating 93 rushing yards on 24 attempts, averaging 3.9 yards per carry.
In terms of offensive production, the Mustangs score an average of 41.5 points per game, while their rushing offense averages 124.0 yards per game, ranking them 107th in Division 1. This season, SMU has amassed 1,132 total yards, with 10 passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. They have achieved 43 first downs and incurred 12 penalties costing them 102 yards. Additionally, they have turned the ball over four times.
Defensively, the Mustangs have allowed 296 passing yards, which ranks them 32nd nationally. They give up 148.0 passing yards per game with a completion rate of 52.5%. On average, SMU’s defense allows 278.5 yards per game, placing them 45th in Division 1. This season, they have surrendered two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns, yielding 3.8 yards per carry and 130.5 rushing yards per game. Overall, they have given up 261 rushing yards over two games, ranking 54th in points allowed at 17.0 per game.
The Louisville Cardinals enter this matchup with a record of 1-1. In their latest game, they secured a dominating 59-13 victory against the Villanova Wildcats. Louisville achieved an impressive 6.8 yards per carry, finishing with 260 rushing yards on 38 attempts. They produced 635 total yards throughout the game, running 66 plays at an average of 9.6 yards per play. In the passing game, Louisville’s secondary conceded a 58.8% completion rate, allowing 178 yards on 20 completions from 34 attempts, while giving up 75 yards on 28 rushes (2.7 yards per carry).
For the season, the Cardinals average 552.0 yards per game, placing them 10th in college football. Their offense has accumulated 172 yards in penalties due to 16 infractions, ranking 34th nationally. They average 211.0 rushing yards per game, totaling 422 rushing yards so far. Louisville has yet to throw an interception or lose a fumble, while racking up 49 first downs. Scoring-wise, they are 17th nationally with an average of 48.5 points per game, alongside 682 passing yards this season, which translates to 341.0 passing yards per game, ranking them 9th in the nation.
Defensively, the Cardinals allow an average of 27.0 points per game, ranking 102nd nationally. They have conceded 227 rushing yards (113.5 yards per game) and two rushing touchdowns. In the passing game, Louisville has given up four touchdowns and 257.0 yards per game, placing them 118th overall. Their defense has faced 140 plays, positioning them 101st in college football, with two forced fumbles and one interception this season.
Who will emerge victorious in this college football clash between the Mustangs and Cardinals against the spread?
Pick: Mustangs +2.5
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