Faculty soccer’s 12-team playoff presents eventualities we have now by no means seen within the sport’s complete historical past.
Faculties are internet hosting postseason video games in late December, and there’s no option to precisely predict the impression, particularly given the inclement climate.
Over the course of the 2 weeks on the betting board, we’ve solely seen slight line motion on the showdown in Completely satisfied Valley.
Sixth-ranked Penn State is an 8.5-point residence favourite over No. 11 SMU in a “White Out” sport at Beaver Stadium on Saturday.
SMU vs. Penn State Odds
| Workforce | Unfold | Moneyline | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMU | +8.5 (-110) | +245 | o53.5 (-105) |
| Penn State | -8.5 (-110) | -310 | u53.5 (-115) |
I’ve personally witnessed this spectacular and intimidating surroundings however the midday kickoff (versus primetime) does reduce the impression to a sure diploma.
I additionally suppose we are going to see a way more composed Mustangs squad than we noticed within the ACC title sport.
Frankly, SMU was not prepared for the strain and magnitude. Its playoff future hung within the steadiness in opposition to Clemson on Dec. 7, and the Mustangs made a number of first-quarter errors to dig themselves a 21-0 gap.
Nonetheless, after that preliminary meltdown, the Mustangs settled down and rallied to tie the sport.
Betting on Faculty Soccer?
This time, Rhett Lashlee may have his guys prepared and unfastened.
I additionally count on quarterback Kevin Jennings to play like he did within the second half, which mirrored his play all season after he took over because the starter.
That is an explosive offense and powerful defensive entrance that ought to permit the Mustangs to hold round.
In the meantime, whereas I used to be impressed with Penn State’s resilience within the Massive Ten title sport, James Franklin remains to be concerned.
He’s a very good coach but in addition has a knack for less than dominating dangerous and mediocre groups, whereas teaching too conservatively in all these high-stakes matchups.
Learn extra of Doug Kezirian’s evaluation at Solely Gamers
I just like the underdog with the factors and suppose there’s even a small likelihood they win outright. Let me put it this fashion. A four-leg moneyline parlay of all 4 favorites is +200. Even a parlay with simply the three Saturday favorites is +115. Which means it’s extra probably than not a house group fails to carry serve.
And I believe the Mustangs are those who can play spoiler.
BEST BET: SMU +8.5 (-110, FanDuel)
Why Belief New York Submit Betting
Doug Kezirian is a New York Submit contributor who at the moment serves because the Chief Content material Officer for Solely Gamers, a sports activities betting media firm. Doug has over 20 years of expertise within the betting area, together with spending 11 years at ESPN as a number, columnist and betting analyst. He’s additionally the uncommon character who has documented success – 14th place in 2023 Circa Million and Las Vegas SuperContest ($37K), two top-10 finishes in 2022 William Hill Faculty Soccer Problem ($58K) and in addition grabbed headlines with a $297K win on the 2021 NFL Draft.
