Montana State (1-0) at SMU (0-1) Sept. 7, 8:00, ESPN3.com
Why You Should Give A Hoot: The Mustangs would love nothing more than to pick up a victory after suffering a tough loss to Texas Tech this past weekend. They actually trailed by just four going into the fourth, but the defense could not close the door, let alone stop a nosebleed. The Red Raiders under walk-on freshman Baker Mayfield lit them up for 413 yards and four touchdowns. The pass defense better be prepared for Montana State if they want any chance at going bowling.
Why Montana State Might Win: Montana State started off its season with a nice 42-24 victory over Monmouth, but do not take the FCS for granted. There are already eight teams from the FBS that have been stunned by the FCS ranks and this could be a ninth if the SMU defense does not turn it up a notch. Shawn Johnson only toted it five times, but ran for 109 yards and a score in the season opening victory.
Why SMU Might Win: The Mustangs looked solid on offense under QB Garrett Gilbert, but they need to be able to run the ball with more ease. If they become one-dimensional, it will put too much pressure on this offense to just show up and win. The good news is even if they are pass heavy, they are more than talented enough to hang 50 on their way towards victory.
Who To Watch Out For: Jeremy Johnson.
A legit SMU receiver who had no issues getting open against Texas Tech, bank on Johnson getting plenty of opportunities to shine two games in a row. If the Red Raiders had issues covering the senior, we can only anticipate that he should put up monster numbers with the way Gilbert has been threading it.
What Will Happen: The SMU offense is potent and it will be too much for the Bobcats to slow down. Nothing against the FCS, but they cannot continue to pull off several upsets every weekend in the non-conference. This will not be another upset, so expect SMU to get on the fast track by opening up a large lead that will never be let go.
Prediction: SMU 56 … Montana State 10
Line: No Line
Must See Rating: (5 Olbermann – 1 Total Divas) … 1.5