The American Athletic Conference hits national television on Friday night when the SMU Mustangs (4-2, 3-3 ATS, 2-0 AAC) travel to take on the Temple Owls (2-5, 1-6 ATS, 0-3 AAC). Things could go from bad to worse if Temple QB E.J. Warner can't suit up, as SMU boasts a terrific defense. It's a major reason why they're big-time road favorites, and our college football betting picks believe this unit will do its job here. Back in the Eric Dickerson era, the Southern Methodist Mustangs "Pony Express" was known for putting up heaping piles of points thanks to the running game. In recent years, it’s been a high-octane passing game that has carried that mantle. But this season, the ponies pulling the cart are on the defensive side of the ball. Rhett Lashlee’s squad has put up a dominant front, leading the team to a 4-2 start, which includes going 2-0 in AAC play. This is a really strong defensive unit for the Southern Methodist Mustangs. Eight starters returned for 2023, meaning it was the second year of being in Scott Symons’ system. And boy, do the Ponies look comfortable in it. The Mustangs have held opponents to 16 points or fewer in four of their six games this season. The two times teams went for more were true road games against Big 12 opponents, including holding a terrific Oklahoma offense to a respectable 28 points. Whoever it is under center, overall, the numbers are pretty terrible for Temple. The Owls rank 111th in yards per play vs. FBS opponents, 120th in yards per pass, and 117th in yards per rush. Just ugly all around. This Mustangs defense will have the Owls’ offensive coaches up all night heading into this one. Southern Methodist hasn’t allowed more than 16 points to a team not from the Big 12. Let's roll with the under.