Louisiana Tech vs. SMU

MIAMI BEACH BOWL - Louisiana Tech had a winning road mark this season and worked hard to get this Bowl game, winning its final two games 42-21 and 20-6. Louisiana Tech has excellent balance on offense behind QB J'Mar Smith (13 TDs, five INTS) and RBs Boston Scott (937 yards, 5.7 yards per carry) and Jarred Craft (516 yards, 4.6 ypc). The Bulldogs have gone to a Bowl game in four straight years under coach Skip Holtz. Louisiana Tech is one of nine programs in the country that enters the postseason with three straight Bowl game wins. The Bulldogs are playing their third Bowl game in the past four years in Texas after winning the Dallas Bowl in 2014 and the Armed Forces Bowl in Forth Worth last year. The defense can do a lot of things behind defensive end Jaylon Ferguson (26.5 career sacks) and a strong secondary with senior safety Secdrick Cooper (two interceptions) and cornerback Amik Robertson (four interceptions, two sacks). La Tech faces a Southern Methodist squad that is favored, but has lost three of its last four games and is terrible on defense. The Mustangs' defense allowed at least 31 points in its final five games. SMU is ranked #113 in the nation in points allowed (35.1 per game), #122 in total yards (422 pg), and #113 in rushing yards surrendered (213.3 pg). SMU is 14-6 UNDER the total after a straight-up win, so the wagering value is on the underdog with the balanced offense and better defense to win a low-scoring duel. Play both Louisiana Tech on the moneyline and the UNDER.