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The Tulsa Golden Hurricane (3-4) and the SMU Mustangs (1-6) look to break back into the win column when they meet Saturday in Dallas. Check out the Tulsa vs. SMU prediction and game preview.

Tulsa vs. SMU Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 31
Game Time: 4:00 ET
Network: ESPNEWS

Follow and/or Contact @Rich Cirminiello 

Why You Need To Care

SMU is already playing for next season, laying a foundation today that the program hopes will pay bigger dividends in Chad Morris’ second season in 2016. Tulsa, while also building for its rookie head coach, Philip Montgomery, can still turn a strong finish into a coveted bowl game. The Hurricane needs three more wins, with the Mustangs, UCF and Tulane, a combined 3-19, still on the schedule.

Why Tulsa Will Win

The offense has been way ahead of the defense in Montgomery’s first season. Tulsa has scored at least 34 points in all but two games, mixing in the tough running of Zack Langer with the passing of Dane Evans to Keyarris Garrett and Joshua Atkinson. The Mustang D has been trucked all season long, ranking 127th nationally in yards per play.

Why SMU Will Win

The Mustang defense is brutal, but the Tulsa defenders aren’t much better. The Hurricane just yielded 66 points and 704 yards to Memphis. And while SMU isn’t Memphis, there are clearly gaping holes in Tulsa that can be exploited by QB Matt Davis, RB Xavier Jones and WR Courtland Sutton. The Ponies have shown an occasional spark on offense this season.

Player Who Matters

Which Tulsa backs are healthy? The Hurricane can wing it around the field on SMU, but the attack is distinctly more dangerous when the backs are also in the mix. However, Langer sat out last week’s game, and explosive D’Angelo Brewer hasn’t played since Oct. 10. If even one of the backs is healthy, it’s going to help open up the playbook for the coaching staff.

What’s Going To Happen?

The Mustangs have been fading since losing to James Madison on Sept. 26. And as Morris tinkers with different looks and personnel, Tulsa will exploit its opponent and even its record behind the offense. Unstoppable versus Memphis, Garrett will again dominate against a weak SMU secondary.

Tulsa vs. SMU Prediction

Prediction: Tulsa 42, SMU 27, Line: Tulsa -3.5 , o/u: 76
Must See Rating: 5: Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church – 1: The Peanuts Movie … 1.5