SMU vs. Temple odds, line, spread: 2023 college football picks, Week 8 prediction from proven model

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The Temple Owls will try to turn their season around when they host the SMU Mustangs in an American Athletic Conference game on Friday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. After winning two of their first three games to start the season, the Owls (2-5 overall, 0-3 in AAC) have lost four straight, to Miami, Tulsa, UTSA and North Texas. They are trying to avoid their first five-game losing streak since they lost eight straight between the 2021-22 seasons. Meanwhile the Mustangs (4-2, 2-0) have won two in a row, over Charlotte and East Carolina. Temple quarterback E.J. Warner (concussion) is questionable. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. The Mustangs are 21-point favorites in the latest SMU vs. Temple odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 54.5. Before making any Temple vs. SMU picks, you need to see the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Since its inception, the proprietary computer model has generated a stunning profit of more than $2,000 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed the model has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on SMU vs. Temple and identified its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's CFB picks. Here are several college football odds and trends for Temple vs. SMU:

  • SMU vs. Temple spread: Mustangs -21
  • SMU vs. Temple over/under: 54.5 points
  • SMU vs. Temple money line: Mustangs -1553, Owls +882
  • SMU: The Mustangs are sixth in the nation in fumbles lost (one)
  • TEM: The Owls rank seventh in the country in penalty yards per game (32.57)
  • SMU vs. Temple live stream: fubo (try for free)

Why SMU can cover

RJ Maryland already has established himself as one of the best tight ends in program history. A 6-foot-4 sophomore from perennial Texas high school powerhouse Southlake Carroll, Maryland has nine receiving touchdowns in just 19 career games. That total is good for second place among tight ends all-time.

In addition, the Mustangs face a Temple team that has lost the turnover battle all season. SMU has lost 13 turnovers this year while forcing just two. The Owls' -1.57 turnover margin per game is the second worst in all of college football, better than only Arizona State (-2.00). See which team to pick here.

Why Temple can cover

The Owls are coming off one of their best rushing games of the season. On Saturday at North Texas, Temple ran for 242 yards. That total is the second most in a game by the Owls this season, behind the team's 290-yard performance in Week 3 against Norfolk State.

In addition, Temple faces a SMU team that has struggled on special teams this season. The Mustangs have allowed three blocked kicks, including two punts, this year. Only Colorado, which has allowed four, has given up more in the country. See which team to pick here.

How to make SMU vs. Temple picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Over the point total, predicting a combined 61 points. The model also says one side of the spread is the better value. You can see the model's CFB picks at SportsLine