Week 0 features only four FBS games, with Nevada and SMU headlining the prime-time night slate. Yet, it might not be much of a contest at all, with the Mustangs a heavy favorite.
From the start time to announcers and betting lines, here’s everything to know about the ACC-Mountain West battle.
Nevada and SMU Announcers, Broadcast Details, and More
- Start time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: CBSSN
- Radio Stations: KTCK 96.7 FM/1310 AM
- Announcers: Rich Waltz (play-by-play), Robert Turbin (analyst), Amanda Guerra (sideline reporter)
- Betting lines: SMU -27
- Over/Under: 55.5
- Moneyline: SMU -3500, Nevada +1500
- Location: Mackay Stadium, Reno, NV
Nevada vs. SMU Game Preview
Nevada checks in at No. 127 on our power rankings of all 134 FBS teams — SMU sits at No. 30. The -27 spread appears fair.
Following back-to-back 2-10 campaigns under Ken Wilson, the Wolf Pack sought a changing of the guard, hiring Texas co-defensive coordinator Jeff Choate as its new head coach. It’s not his first rodeo, as Choate led Montana State to a 28-22 record with two playoff appearances (2016-20).
Nevertheless, getting the program on the right trajectory will take time, as the transfer portal stole many of the program’s best players from last season. The Wolf Pack went 1-5 at home last season and lost their last four games overall, conceding at least 27 points in each contest.
SMU joins the ACC after winning 11 games (most since 1982) and the AAC championship a year ago. With all three of their losses coming against Power Five opponents, Year 1 in the ACC may present challenges for the Mustangs — but likely not in Week 0.
The Mustangs return most of their playmakers from one of the best teams in the country:
- They were one of only four FBS teams to rank in the top 11 nationally in both scoring offense (8th) and scoring defense (11th).
- Scored 542 points, the second most points scored in program history.
- Their sack total of 47 last year ranked second in the NCAA.
- The defense ranked in the top 20 in third down rate (3rd), defensive touchdowns (1st), rushing defense (18th), scoring defense (12th), tackles for loss (13th), and total defense (12th).
- Scored at least 55 points four times, the most in program history for a single season.
Rhett Lashlee’s squad has won its last five season openers, with the most recent three being decisive victories: 2023 vs. Louisiana Tech (38-14), 2022 at North Texas (48-10), and 2021 vs. Abilene Christian (56-9). This year’s contest should follow the same pattern.
SMU and Nevada have faced off six teams, with the series tied at 3-3. The Mustangs won the last two duals, the most recent being a 45-10 victory in 2009.
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As Lashlee and Co. prepare to embark on their inaugural season in the ACC, the Mustangs aim to set the tone with a dominant Week 0 performance against Nevada. With a seasoned roster returning and a track record of success, SMU is poised to continue its upward trajectory while Nevada looks to rebuild under new leadership.
Expect the Mustangs to make a statement and solidify their status as one of college football’s rising programs.
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