Jeff’s 2024 College Football ACC Spotlight Team | SMU Mustangs


I like SMU's over eight wins for several reasons. Let's start with the Mustangs' 11-win performance in the American Athletic Conference and winning the league title on their way out the door. Their schedule positions them for success in the ACC during their first year in the conference. SMU will have a game against Florida State in Dallas and will play Louisville the following week. A key advantage for SMU is their avoidance of tough opponents such as Clemson, Miami U, NC State, and Virginia Tech. Their non-conference games include matchups against two Big 12 teams, BYU and TCU, which will be played at home. Additionally, long trips to the West Coast will be preceded by a week off.


SMU has shown great potential by effectively utilizing the transfer portal to bring in several former Power 5 players who were highly recruited out of high school. This influx of talent not only addresses any weaknesses but also enhances depth across the roster. The Mustangs, ranked 36th in transfer portal rankings, are among nine teams that return at least 16 starters from last season. In the previous season, SMU averaged 39 points per game and 451 total yards while allowing 292 yards and 18 points per game. With such a strong foundation, and barring a significant injury, there's every reason to be optimistic about the Mustangs' potential to replicate these impressive numbers in 2024-25.


Preston Stone, who led the Mustangs to a 10-2 record in the 2023 regular season, returns as the starting quarterback. Stone's experience and performance, including 3,197 passing yards and a 28/6 TD/INT ratio with a 60% completion percentage last season, provide a solid foundation for the offense. His QBR (71.6) ranked 30th in the nation. The Junior from Dallas had an impressive 9.3 yards per attempt and improved in that stat every month of the season. According to Phil Steele, SMU's offensive line is ranked 18th, and they have the 25th-best defensive line. That advantage in the trenches is a significant edge that few people are talking about.


Jaylan Knighton is a senior transfer from Miami who adds depth and experience to the backfield. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry in 2023. Jake Bailey was the leading receiver in 2023, providing reliability and leadership in the receiving corps. RJ Maryland is a potential breakout player at the tight end position, which adds a significant threat in the passing game. SMU has a significant weapon that should benefit the Mustangs in close games. Place-kicker Collin Rogers has demonstrated substantial maturity and improvement. Special Teams coach Kyle Cooper noted that Rogers has been outstanding during the camp, hitting field goals consistently, even from distances beyond 52 yards. He went 2-for-2 on kicks of 50+ yards last season.


The defense is anchored by standout players such as DE Elijah Roberts, a dominant pass-rusher who recorded double-digit sacks last season, including the Fenway Bowl game. LB Kobe Wilson, the team's top tackler in 2023, brings not just stability but also a sense of comfort and knowledge to the linebacker unit. He increased his total tackle output from 13 in 2020 to 80 last season. The secondary is not considered a strength, but they only face a few quarterbacks who can exploit this perceived weakness.


Given the conference's current competitive landscape, the Mustangs' move to the ACC is considered a positive step. While the ACC has strong teams, it lacks the depth of elite programs in conferences such as the SEC, Big 10, and, to some extent, the Big 12. This gives SMU a realistic opportunity to compete at a high level. Overall, the Mustangs will face the fourth-easiest schedule in the ACC this season.


The SMU Mustangs have a great chance to exceed eight wins this upcoming season. They're in a good position with a strong returning roster, experienced coaching staff, strategic use of the transfer portal, and a favorable schedule. Transitioning to the ACC enables the team to display its talent and compete effectively in a new conference environment, which should energize the program. I think it's very likely that they will achieve 9-10 wins.


Jeff’s Best Bet: SMU Mustangs Over 8 (-130) | Mybookie.ag


Jeff's NCAAF record is 49-29-3, which is a 63% win rate. This results in a profit of +$10,815 over the last 81 documented games on his website and The Sports Monitor of OK. Jeff's College Football Bowl selections have an impressive 26-6 record since 2018, including a perfect 4-0 performance last season. His Early Bird College Football Premium Package, which includes the Bowl selections, is now available for purchase.


Follow Jeff on X @ JHSPORTSLINE