Navy and SMU Set To Battle for AAC Championship Berth
5. Navy and SMU face off in Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas on Saturday at 12pmET. If SMU defeats Navy, they will head to the AAC Championship game on Dec. 2. SMU, with a
Game outlook
5. Navy and SMU face off in Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas on Saturday at 12pmET. If SMU defeats Navy, they will head to the AAC Championship game on Dec. 2. SMU, with a 9-2 SU and 7-0 AAC record, is the opening (and current) betting favorite at -20 and -18.5 respectively. Navy holds a 5-5 SU, 4-6 ATS, and 4-3 AAC record and aim to be bowl-eligible. Last season, SMU won in a close 40-34 game but failed to cover the 12.5 point spread.
Game Info
When: Saturday, 11/25/2023 @ 12:00pm EST
Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium Stadium Betting Odds Moneyline: Midshipmen +750 | Mustangs -1,200
Spread: Midshipmen +18 (-110) | Mustangs -18 (-110)
Total: Over/Under 45.5 (-110)
Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that SMU will win straight-up is 92%.
Navy Midshipmen
Head Coach Brian Newberry is off to a slow start taking over long-time Coach Ken Nimutalolo. However, the Mids have won two consecutive games against UAB (31-6) and ECU (10-0) and are looking to be bowl eligible with a win against SMU or Army. The most impressive feat is Navy’s three shutouts this season, which is most of all FBS teams and their most shutouts since 1978. The current offense averages 19.67 points per game, defence allowing 21.44 points and have a 4-5-1 record against the spread this season.
SMU Mustangs Analysis
Preston Stone replaced Tanner Mordecai as the Mustangs Quarterback and has done a great job, completions of 15/23 passes for 286yards with 2 TDs and 0 INTs. L.J. Johnson rushed for 115 yards and 1 TD, while Jayla Knighton rushed for 645 yards and 6 TDs and Jasani Johnson rushed for 542 yards this season. SMU's defense is 14th in total yards per game and 24th against rushing yards. They have won 7 straight games since losing to TCU 34-17and if the Green Wave beat UTSA at home, SMU would travel to New Orleans for the conference title game. SMU Mustangs has a 9-2 overall record with 6-5 Against the Spread (ATS). They won seven straight games despite losing to TCU 34-17 and Oklahoma 28-11 early in the season, earning a #7 ranking in offense (scoring 40.50 ppg), and #10 in defense (allowing 16.40 ppg). Preston Stone has taken over for Tanner Mordecai at QB and has completed 15/23 passes for 286 yards and 2 TDs without any picks. L.J. Johnson Jr. rushed for 115 yards and 1 TD, while Jayla Knighton rushed for 645 yards and 6 TDs and Jasani Johnson rushed for 542 yards. SMU's defense ranks 14th in total yards per game and 24th against rushing yards. They are in contention to travel to New Orleans and play for the conference title game, but their success will depend on the outcome of the UTCA vs. Tulane matchup.