SMU football: 3 bold predictions vs. Tulsa in Week 11

Previewing, through three bold predications, a vital AAC game between Tulsa and SMU football that is set to go down Saturday night.

SMU is right where it was expected to be, maybe a bit better.

Certainly Shane Buechele was a known factor, as he was a popular preseason pick for AAC offensive player of the year. Yes, there were questions on defense and they had to replace the great James Proche, but it’s no surprise to see them at 7-1 and ranked.

Tulsa, on the other hand, wasn’t supposed to be fighting for a conference championship, but here they are. Riding the back of Zaven Collins and a great defense, Tulsa can take control of second place in the AAC with a win.

It’s a big game, and here are three bold predictions for it.

3. Tulsa shuts down SMU’s rushing game

Part of what has made Shane Buechele and the SMU passing attack so effective is that they’ve been able to run the ball extremely well this season. By having this balance you can’t load up on defensive backs against SMU. You need to respect the box, which lets the Mustangs then stretch you downfield.

Tulsa won’t let this happen to them.

Zaven Collins is the runaway front runner for AAC Defensive Player of the Year, and he dominates the game by playing sideline to sideline. He was a key part in Tulsa’s come from behind win against UCF, because he stopped the Knights from spreading Tulsa out, East to West. Their game before that, they shut down Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard, only giving up 3.4 yards per carry.

Collins will be the main reason that Tulsa holds SMU 50 yards short of their season average on the ground of 193 yards per game. This will force SMU to win one dimensionally.