No. 10 Miami (6-1) at SMU (5-3), Saturday, Noon, ESPN
Latest line: Miami is favored by 11 1/2 points
Adam Lichtenstein, Miami Hurricanes Writer: Miami 28, SMU 14
The Hurricanes got back to their winning ways despite a slow start against Stanford last week. The Mustangs, facing Miami for the first time since 1965, are coming off a last-minute, upset loss at Wake Forest — their first regular-season conference loss as a member of the ACC. SMU offers a solid road test for the Hurricanes — remarkably it’s the first time they’re leaving the state for a game this season — but Miami’s defense is better than Wake Forest’s, so it should do enough to contain former UM offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee’s scheme.
Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel Sports Columnist: Hurricanes 31, SMU 21
This looked like it could be a lot more interesting a couple weeks ago. That was before Miami got a wake-up call in losing to Louisville — uh, it was a wake-up call, wasn’t it? And that was before SMU lost last Saturday to Wake Forest — assuming it showed SMU’s limitations and it wasn’t, you know, a wake-up call. Miami has more talent. Much more. That’s the idea in picking them, although the game should be fairly close. SMU’s coach is Rhett Lashlee, who was Miami’s offensive coordinator before joining the Mustangs.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor: Hurricanes 27, SMU 23
After the worst game of his career against Louisville, Miami quarterback Carson Beck did not have to do too much in last week’s win against Stanford. The Hurricanes kept things simple for Beck, throwing mostly short passes. Beck, who has struggled when throwing the ball deep, will likely have a similar, ball-control game plan at SMU. Miami, 11 1/2-point favorites, will need a win to stay on a potential playoff path. Expect Miami star defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. to have a big game as SMU is coming off a lackluster 13-12 loss at Wake Forest in which they managed only 246 total yards. Miami, the only FBS team to get into November having played just one road game (at FSU), is leaving the state of Florida for the first time this season.

