I thought I would get this in before the next aftershock hits here. SMU vs Texas Tech takes the place of the NFL on Sunday, 9/5. At this time last year, no one would have believed that this would be a game to watch, but what a difference a year makes.

SMU was the surprise team of the CUSA last year, winning 8 games including a stunning 45-10 romp over Nevada in the Hawaii Bowl. SMU returns 9 starters on a very potent June Jones style offense. Points should be no problem for the Mustangs this year. The defense returns 6 starters, but must improve substantially for SMU to challenge for the CUSA title. This group gave up 30 or more points 7 times last season.

Texas Tech starts out 2010 with a new HC who is no stranger to success. Defensive minded Tommy Tuberville takes over an offensive minded team that returns 7 starters on an offense that had no problems putting points on the board last season. The defense returns 6 starters, but must show drastic improvment if Tech wants to seriously challenge for the Big 12 title.

Wagering on this game could be a challenge. There is really not enough information on SMU to develop any type of statistical trends because this team aparently has been reborn. One would think that two teams that have no problem putting points on the board would have no problem going over the total number, but Tuberville is putting a new emphasis on his defense and SMU was held to 14 and 15 points in two of their losses. Texas Tech has gone 6-6-1 as a home favorite in the past 3 years. SMU was 3-1-1 as an away dog last year. Both teams will be looking to start the season off with a win. Check the lines carefully and wager accordingly.

Next up. Western Michigan at Michigan State on 9/4.