The Stanford Cardinal will travel to Dallas for a Week 7 game against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. With a 2-3 record, Stanford has struggled on the road this season, losing all three away games. Their most recent victory was a narrow 30-29 home win against San Jose State in Week 5. The SMU Mustangs enter the game with a 3-2 record and a solid 2-1 record at home. They recently secured a 31-18 victory against Syracuse, demonstrating strong performance on their home turf. SMU’s offense has been effective, with a balanced attack of passing and rushing yards this season. This Atlantic Coast Conference matchup will be televised on CW at 12:00 PM. The odds favor the Mustangs heavily, with SMU having a moneyline of -1166 compared to Stanford’s +718. The spread is set at -19.5 for SMU, indicating expectations of a substantial win for the home team.
SMU vs Stanford At a Glance
- Game Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, TX
- Current Records: Stanford Cardinal 2-3, SMU Mustangs 3-2
- Odds: SMU Mustangs favored with a -19.5 point spread
- Moneyline: Stanford +718, SMU -1166
- Game Time: Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM
- TV Broadcast: Available on CW
SMU Mustangs Ready to Gallop Against Stanford
Stanford’s Offensive Overview
Stanford’s offensive unit has demonstrated a consistent ability to move the ball through the air. Their passing game has been a focal point, often relying on precise routes and timing to outmaneuver defenses. This could pose a challenge to SMU, especially if Stanford’s quarterback finds his rhythm early.
On the ground, Stanford’s rushing attack has been more methodical. They emphasize controlling the tempo and maintaining possession, which can keep high-powered offenses like SMU’s off the field. Establishing a balanced attack will be crucial for Stanford’s success.
Defensive Capabilities
Defensively, Stanford has excelled in applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their ability to generate sacks and force hurried throws has been a strength. This may be a critical factor when they encounter SMU’s strong passing game.
In the secondary, Stanford’s defenders have shown proficiency in pass coverage. They have a knack for interceptions, which could be pivotal in disrupting SMU’s offensive rhythm. Turnovers will likely play a significant role in the outcome of this game.
Key Players to Watch
Stanford’s quarterback will be a key player to watch, as his performance could dictate the flow of their offensive strategy. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions will be tested against SMU’s defensive schemes.
On defense, Stanford’s pass rushers will be crucial. Their capacity to penetrate the offensive line and apply pressure could disrupt SMU’s passing game, forcing them into unfavorable situations.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Underdog: Recent performances indicate a solid track record when entering games as underdogs.
- ATS – Away Games: Stanford has shown resilience in covering the spread while playing on the road.
- O/U – All Games: The team has a varied record against the over/under, often influenced by their defensive performances.
Final Thoughts
Stanford’s ability to execute a balanced attack will be vital against SMU’s formidable defense. If they can establish the run and complement it with a strong passing game, they could control the tempo.
Defensively, keeping SMU’s explosive offense in check will be a tall order. The effectiveness of Stanford’s pass rush could be the deciding factor in limiting SMU’s scoring opportunities.
Stanford Cardinal Set to Challenge SMU Mustangs on the Road
Current Form and Season Overview
Stanford’s recent performances show a mixed bag with a win against San Jose State, but the Cardinal’s season has been inconsistent. They stand as 19.5-point underdogs going into their upcoming game against SMU. With a record of 2-3 this season, their away games have proven to be challenging, evidenced by losses to Virginia and BYU.
Stanford’s offense has been struggling, as indicated by their 80th rank in points scored. Their passing game, however, has been somewhat effective, ranking 72nd in passing yards. Their rushing attack has been notably weak, ranking 117th in the nation.
Defensive Analysis
Defensively, Stanford has been facing difficulties, ranking 90th in points against. However, their defense has shown some bright spots, notably in sacks where they rank 14th and interceptions with a 2nd rank. The Cardinal defense will need to capitalize on these strengths to counter SMU’s offensive threats.
The defense has been effective in forcing turnovers, ranking 5th in fumbles recovered. This could be a key factor in creating scoring opportunities against SMU. However, allowing 147 points so far this season highlights a pressing need for improvement in overall defensive coordination.
Player Performances
Quarterback Ben Gulbranson has been a crucial player, leading the passing game with 1,167 yards, ranking 59th nationally. His performance will be vital if Stanford hopes to counter the Mustangs’ defense. Running back Micah Ford leads the ground game with 347 rushing yards, though the rushing attack remains underwhelming.
In the receiving corps, Bryce Farrell and CJ Williams have been reliable targets, with 338 and 303 receiving yards respectively. Their ability to make key receptions will be pivotal in driving the Stanford offense forward.
Injury Concerns
Stanford is facing significant injury challenges, with several players listed as questionable, including key offensive and defensive players. The absence of wide receiver David Pantelis for the season is a notable blow to their receiving options. These injuries could impact the team’s depth and performance against SMU.
Betting Trends
- O/U – All Games: Last 3 Games (2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – Home Games: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – As Favorite: Last 10 Games (2020–2025) → 8-2 (80.0%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 7 Games (2024–2025) → 5-2 (71.4%)
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 8 Games (2024–2025) → 5-3 (62.5%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 15 Games (2022–2025) → 8-7 (53.3%)
SMU vs Stanford Prediction: SMU -19.5
SMU enters the game as a -19.5-point favorite at home against Stanford. With a strong home record of 2-1 and an impressive SU record as favorites (27-3 in their last 30 games), SMU has demonstrated their ability to dominate weaker opponents consistently. Stanford’s 0-3 road record further highlights the difficulty they face in away games.
Stanford has struggled offensively this season, ranking 80th in points for and 117th in rushing yards. Against a strong SMU defense that ranks in the top 20 for interceptions and sacks, Stanford’s offensive woes may continue. This aligns with SMU’s trend of covering the spread after wins, with a 17-12 ATS record in their last 29 games following a victory.
SMU’s offensive capabilities, ranked 37th in points for and 33rd in passing yards, will likely exploit Stanford’s defense, which ranks 90th in points against. Given SMU’s historical success as favorites and Stanford’s struggles on the road, SMU is positioned to cover the -19.5 spread comfortably.
In predicting the outcome, SMU is likely to secure a dominant victory, leveraging their superior offense and home-field advantage to outmatch Stanford. Expect a final score reflecting SMU’s capacity to capitalize on Stanford’s weaknesses both offensively and defensively.
- SMU vs Stanford Prediction: SMU -19.5
- SMU vs Stanford Score: SMU 41 – Stanford 14
