Official Rutgers vs SMU Prediction Thread

[blackoutpony]

This is the win we need. I can't think of a bigger game in the last few years. With how the season has started, with this being our 1 BCS conference year, we have to have this win. We are at home where We have been great the last few years, the kids will be hungry and should have a chip on their shoulder and I think we can make a statement, and a positive one.

38-17 Ponies.

dont u get sick of continuously picking the ponies to win and then always end up getting blown out? and even in the slightest chance that we do win, there's no way we beat them 38-17.. it would be a squeaker

I often wonder the same thing. I think some of them have very little real knowledge about the game of football. I understand that anything can happen on any given week, but making blind and completely irrational predictions makes no sense to me.

SMU Offense - 21 ppg
SMU Defense - 40.3 ppg
RU Offesne - 36.3 ppg
RU Defense - 21.5 ppg

If we want to delve into this further for FBS opponents

Tech Offense - 38.8 ppg, Scored 41 against SMU
Tech Defense - 13.3 ppg, SMU scored 23
A&M Offense - 49.2 ppg, Scored 42 against SMU (While not even playing starters into the 4th)
A&M Defense - 30.8 ppg, SMU scored 13
TCU Offense - 30.8 ppg, Scored 48 against SMU
TCU Defense - 22.8 ppg, SMU scored 17

There is only one instance of SMU doing better against an opponent on either side of the ball than their average (Scored more on Tech D). I won't count the A&M offense since we all know they would have put 70 up if Sumlin left the Money Badger in. In other words, we are making everyone's stats better and we have looked horrible doing it.

Even if you want to live on the sun, saying SMU will win 38-17 is complete horse [deleted]. At least be like the sun shiners that are more reasonable and say SMU 28-27 or something. But, do as you see fit. I think the numbers, more or less, speak for themselves.

[ponypatrick]

SMU 23
RU 20


The defense plays a complete game and the offense does just enough to win !

After game JJ begrudgingly acknowledges positive effect of BLUE jerseys !!!!!

[feelthehorsepower]

I think SMU will realize that it's the last chance at redemption this season...and they will come out and play

SMU Mustangs 48
Rutgers Scarlet Knights 10

[Mustangsabu]

I think SMU will realize that it's the last chance at redemption this season...and they will come out and play

SMU Mustangs 48
Rutgers Scarlet Knights 10

Now I'm feeling the horsepower.... I hope that doesn't make you uncomfortable...

[blackoutpony]

I think SMU will realize that it's the last chance at redemption this season...and they will come out and play

SMU Mustangs 48
Rutgers Scarlet Knights 10

In other news, the Astros have qualified for this years playoffs, Al Qaeda has turned their fight towards cutting down the rainforest, McDonalds helps you lose weight, and the SEC is begging SMU to join

[Harry0569]

Rutgers (3-1) at SMU (1-3) Oct. 5, 12:00, ESPNEWS

Why You Should Give A Hoot: Rutgers and SMU will be meeting for the first time, as both schools kick off their 2013 American Athletic Conference schedules. The Scarlet Knights had a bye last weekend, affording them an extra week to bask in the glow of their comeback win over Arkansas. Head coach Kyle Flood also used the time off to smooth out some of the wrinkles on the offensive side of the ball. The Mustangs are happy to be done with a non-conference schedule that ushered them into an early hole. SMU fell by at least 18 points to Texas Tech, Texas A&M and TCU, while needing some late magic to escape the upset bid of Montana State. Head coach June Jones to have reached a plateau after five years on the Hilltop.

Why Rutgers Might Win: The Mustangs won’t be able to match the Scarlet Knights’ physicality in the trenches, especially on defense. Rutgers has rallied from a slow start against Fresno State to rank 28th nationally in total D, while being a rock against the run. While DE Marcus Thompson and linebackers Steve Longa and Kevin Snyder aren’t household names, they represent the cornerstones of an intrepid unit that’ll cause problems for an SMU offense that has absolutely no identity.

Why SMU Might Win: The Mustangs are hosting a Rutgers team that’ll be without one of its best offensive players, injured leading rusher Paul James. QB Gary Nova will be asked to shoulder a little more of the load, which has sometimes meant turnovers during his career. SMU needs to get back to ball-hawking, led by underrated CB Kenneth Acker. The Ponies have faced a much tougher schedule than the Knights so far, which will serve them well going forward.

Who To Watch Out For: Acker versus Rutgers receivers Brandon Coleman and Leonte Carroo will be a treat to watch. All three players have all-league skills and next-level potential.

- The SMU O-line, which has already allowed 17 sacks, will have its hands full with Rutgers. So, Rutgers doesn’t have one elite pass rusher, but it does have a bunch of players capable of forcing erratic and heavy-legged Mustang QB Garrett Gilbert into costly mistakes.

- James is out with a leg injury, which means junior Savon Huggins gets yet another chance to show he can perform like a one-time five-star recruit. He has largely been a bust up to this point in his college career.

What Will Happen: Yeah, this is a long road trip and a rare game in Texas for Rutgers, but the Scarlet Knights are just a much better all-around team than SMU these days. The Mustangs aren’t doing anything well on offense or defense, and turnovers are killing them. Rutgers will pound the host on both sides of the ball, keeping the SMU offense from ever getting on track.

Prediction: Rutgers 35 … SMU 17
Line: Rutgers -5 o/u: 54

[redpony]

About what I had expected. If we win- great, if we lose - just another nail in the jj coffin.
Can hardly wait for fball to end and bball to get started. Go LB, go mustang bball.

[Tx_Mustang10]

30 - 23 SMU, after we stop their two minute drill. For the love of God, please!

[mrydel]

The most important thing about this game is that it first, be over by 2:30 and second, not be close so I can quickly get out of the parking garage and to the airport. So I am predicting we win 38-21, and I leave with 5 minutes remaining when the score is 38-14.

[Stallion]

This should be a close game at home-I think it may be the key game of the season:

Rutgers 30
SMU 28

Hopefully the Blue Pony Express uniforms are worth 3 extra points

[ALEX LIFESON]

I'm going to say SMU 27 RU-24, sue me.

[CenTXpony]

SMU 37
Rutgers 34

Of course!

[ReedFrawg]

SMU 15
Rutgirl 4

[SoCal_Pony]

Given JJ's track record at home vs. mediocre conference opponents:

SMU 29
Rutgers 24