In Week 3 of the 2025 College Football season, the SMU Mustangs head to Springfield, MO, to take on the Missouri State Bears. The game will unfold at Robert W. Plaster Stadium, an outdoor venue, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 PM. Fans can catch the action on CBSS.
The SMU Mustangs, part of the Atlantic Coast Conference, have kicked off their season with a 1-1 record. They showed promise with a decisive 42-13 victory over East Texas A&M in their opener, but fell short against Baylor in a high-scoring 48-45 battle. This game marks their first road test of the season.
Missouri State Bears, representing Conference USA, also enter the game with a 1-1 record. After a tough opening loss to USC, they bounced back with a narrow 21-20 win against Marshall. This game will be their first at home this season, providing an opportunity to impress their fans.
Missouri State vs SMU At a Glance
- Game Location: Robert W. Plaster Stadium in Springfield, MO
- Game Date & Time: Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 3:30 PM
- Television Broadcast: CBSS
- SMU Mustangs’ Current Record: 1-1 for the 2025 season
- Missouri State Bears’ Current Record: 1-1 for the 2025 season
- Betting Odds: SMU favored with a moneyline of -3366, and a spread of -27.5
Missouri State Bears Prepare for an Intense Battle on the Road
Team Overview
The Missouri State Bears are gearing up for their next challenge, coming off a mixed start to the 2025 season. With a record of 1-1, the Bears have shown both potential and areas for improvement.
Having recently triumphed over Marshall, Missouri State will look to build momentum and further refine their strategies on both sides of the ball.
Offensive Insights
Missouri State’s offense has been a tale of two stories this season. The team is currently ranked 36th in passing yards, showcasing their ability to move the ball through the air.
However, the rushing attack has been less effective, ranking 117th, which highlights an area needing improvement if they wish to balance their offensive playbook.
Defensive Standouts
Defensively, the Bears have displayed flashes of brilliance, particularly in their ability to disrupt opposing offenses. They rank 9th in sacks, indicating a formidable pass rush.
With a 2nd rank in interceptions, Missouri State’s secondary has been particularly opportunistic, capitalizing on errant throws from opposing quarterbacks.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Jacob Clark has been pivotal, amassing 506 passing yards and four touchdowns over two games. His decision-making and accuracy will be crucial for the Bears’ continued success.
On the ground, Ramone Green Jr. leads the rushing attack, although his performance has yet to hit its stride. Improvement in the run game could be pivotal in upcoming contests.
Recent Game Recap
In their last outing, Missouri State narrowly edged out Marshall with a 21-20 victory. The Bears’ passing game was particularly impressive, accumulating 388 yards.
While the rushing game struggled, the defense stepped up, limiting Marshall to just 83 passing yards, underlining their strength in pass defense.
Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 1-1 (50.0%)
- ATS All Games: 0-2 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 1-1 (50.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 1-1 (50.0%)
- ATS as Underdog: 0-2 (0.0%)
- O/U After a Win: 1-0 (100.0%)
The SMU Mustangs Prepare for a Showdown on the Road
Offensive Performance
The SMU Mustangs have demonstrated a dynamic offense this season, ranking 15th in points for with a total of 87. Their passing game is strong, currently ranked 33rd with 555 passing yards. However, the rushing attack could use improvement, as it sits at 71st with 303 yards.
First downs have been plentiful for SMU, as they rank 16th with 48. The ability to move the chains consistently will be crucial in maintaining offensive momentum in upcoming games. Kevin Jennings has been a standout at quarterback, leading the team in passing yards and touchdowns.
Defensive Insights
On the defensive side, SMU has been relatively solid in terms of points against, ranking 50th with 61 points allowed. Their pass rush has been effective, with the defense ranked 7th in sacks. The Mustangs have excelled in creating turnovers, with their defense ranked 3rd in both interceptions and fumbles recovered.
This opportunistic defense will be a key factor in their upcoming games. Maintaining pressure on opposing offenses and capitalizing on mistakes could be the deciding factor in tight contests. The ability to force turnovers could provide crucial advantages in field position.
Recent Game Highlights
In their recent outing, SMU suffered a narrow 48-45 defeat against Baylor. Despite the loss, the Mustangs’ offense showed its capability by putting up a significant point total. Quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 295 yards, but the defense struggled to contain Baylor’s potent passing attack.
In their season opener, SMU secured a convincing 42-13 win over East Texas A&M Lions. The Mustangs’ defense held strong, limiting the Lions to just 107 rushing yards. Offensively, the team demonstrated balance with 260 passing yards and 140 rushing yards.
Injury Concerns
Injuries could pose a challenge for SMU in the upcoming games. Tyler Van Dyke is out with a knee injury, and his absence could impact the quarterback depth. Wide receiver Jordan Hudson and linebacker Alexander Kilgore are both listed as questionable, which could affect both offensive and defensive rotations.
The depth and resilience of the Mustangs’ roster will be tested, especially in road games. Navigating these injury concerns effectively will be crucial for sustained success.
Upcoming Schedule
SMU’s next contest is an away game against the Missouri State Bears. Following that, they face another road challenge against the TCU Horned Frogs. The Mustangs will need to bring their best performance on the road to secure victories in these crucial games.
Both games present opportunities to prove their mettle against competitive opponents. A strong showing in these matchups could bolster their standing in the rankings and set the tone for the rest of the season.
Team Betting Trends
- SMU is 2-0 against the spread in their last two games.
- The total has gone over in 2 of SMU’s last 2 games.
- SMU is 1-1 straight up in their last 2 games.
Missouri State vs SMU Prediction: Over 60.5
In assessing the upcoming game between Missouri State and SMU, both teams have shown offensive capabilities that suggest a high-scoring outcome. SMU has already accumulated 87 points this season, ranking them 15th in points scored. With their dynamic offense, SMU will likely continue to put up significant numbers against Missouri State.
Missouri State, while not as prolific as SMU, has demonstrated they can score with a total of 34 points. Their passing game, ranked 36th with 547 yards, shows they can move the ball through the air effectively. SMU’s defense has conceded 61 points this season, indicating vulnerabilities that Missouri State can exploit.
The over/under is set at 60.5, which seems attainable given the offensive strengths of both teams and the defensive gaps. SMU’s high-powered offense and Missouri State’s potential to score suggest that the total will exceed this mark. Expect a game where both offenses find success, pushing the total over.
The projected final score reflects this prediction, with SMU expected to take control but Missouri State keeping it competitive. Look for the game to end with both teams contributing to a combined score above 60.5.
- Missouri State vs SMU Prediction: Over 60.5
- Missouri State vs SMU Score: SMU 45 – Missouri State 21
