SMU Mustangs vs Louisville Cardinals Prediction, 9/19/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: SMU Mustangs vs Louisville Cardinals

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Location: L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, KY

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Cardinals (-2.5)

Total/Over-Under: 59

The SMU Mustangs (2-0) are hitting the road to L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on Saturday, September 19, 2026 where they will try to beat the Louisville Cardinals (1-1). SMU opens this game as 2.5-point dogs. The betting total is set at 59.

The SMU Mustangs come into this game with a record of 2-0 for this season. In their last contest, the Mustangs stepped onto the field against the UC Davis Aggies and went home with a win by a final score of 56-10. Against the rush, the Mustangs gave up 62 yds on 24 tries, which is an average of 2.6 yds per rush allowed. SMU surrendered 19 completions on 36 tries for a total of 171 yards, and a completion percentage of 52.8%. When all was said and done, they ran 56 plays which gave them 547 yds. The SMU Mustangs rushed the ball a total of 24 times and compiled 93 yards, which is an average of 3.9 yds per attempt.

Regarding scoring points, the SMU Mustangs are sitting at 41.5 points per game. As a unit they're averaging 124.0 yards in the run game ranking this team at 107th in Division 1. The Mustangs have tallied 1,132 total yards for the year. When it comes to scoring touchdowns, SMU has compiled 10 passing touchdowns and 1 touchdown on the ground. SMU has accounted for 43 first downs as an offense, and they have been hurt by 12 infractions for 102 yds. They have given the ball to the opposition 4 different times.

When talking about yards through the air, the Mustangs have given up 296 yards which puts them in 32nd in the nation. They have conceded 148.0 yards per outing via the pass as well as allowing a completion percentage of 52.5%. For the year, they have yielded 278.5 yards/game which ranks them 45th in Division 1. They have surrendered 2 touchdowns through the air and 2 touchdowns running the ball. They are giving up 3.8 yards per run and 130.5 yards on the ground per game for the year. Overall, they have given up 261 running yards through 2 contests. The Mustangs rank 54th in the country in terms of their opponents scoring, conceding 17.0 points per contest.

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The Cardinals come into this game with a record of 1-1 for this season. When they last stepped on the field, the Cardinals took home the win by a final score of 59-13 when they faced the Villanova Wildcats. Louisville ran for 6.8 yards per carry, finishing with 260 yds on 38 attempts. The Cardinals finished the contest with 635 yards and they ran 66 plays (9.6 yards per play). The Cardinals secondary gave up a completion rate of 58.8%, surrendering 178 yds on 20 out of 34 passing. Louisville allowed 28 attempts on the ground for 75 yards (2.7 yds per carry).

The Louisville Cardinals have an average of 552.0 yards/game, which has them ranked 10th in college football. The Louisville offense has totaled 172 yards of penalties on 16 infractions, which is 34th in the country in terms of giving up free yards. They have an average of 211.0 yards per game via the rush and have rushed for 422 yards overall. They have thrown no picks while conceding no fumbles and they have recorded 49 first downs. In relation to their scoring prowess, the Cardinals sit 17th in college football averaging 48.5 PPG. For the season so far, the Cardinals have thrown for a total of 682 passing yards as well as holding an average of 341.0 throwing yards per game, putting them at 9th in the country.

The Cardinals are giving up 27.0 points per contest, which has them 102nd in college football. Louisville has surrendered a total of 227 yards rushing (113.5 yards per outing) and 2 touchdowns via the rush this season. They have surrendered 4 touchdowns via the pass and 257.0 yards/contest, which has them in 118th in the country. The Cardinals defense has been on the field for 140 plays, which ranks them 101st in college football. They have earned 2 fumbles and 1 pick this year.

Who will win tonight's Mustangs/Cardinals college football game against the spread?

Guy's Pick: Take the Mustangs +2.5

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