California vs. SMU Recap: Jennings Throws 3 TDs in 59-20 Rout

SMU beat California 59-20 after trailing 20-17 at halftime. The Mustangs scored the last 42 points of the game, six straight touchdowns, while Cal's offense stalled after the break. SMU finished with 492 yards and 256 on the ground. Three DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game, including one on each quarterback.

What cashed

Kevin Jennings 2+ passing TDs (-295 at FanDuel): CASHED - Our read: Jennings had thrown 2 or more touchdowns in 8 of his last 10 games and 8 of his last 10 at home, averaging 2.4 a game. SMU was implied for 37 against Cal. - What happened: He threw 3 touchdown passes on 16-of-23 passing for 223 yards. The first was a 22-yarder to Kendrick Raphael in the first quarter, and the second, a 21-yarder to Derrick McFall in the third, cleared the line. He added a 17-yard score to Jalen Hale in the fourth. - Worth watching: Jennings needed only 23 attempts to throw 3 touchdowns, all from 17 yards or longer. That efficiency keeps his touchdown props in play even in games where SMU runs the ball well.

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele 1+ passing TDs (-320 at FanDuel): CASHED - Our read: Sagapolutele had thrown a touchdown in 8 of his last 10 games and 5 of 6 this year, averaging 1.6 a game. - What happened: He got it out of the way on Cal's opening score, a 10-yard pass to Chase Hendricks with 10:28 left in the first quarter. He completed 27 of 37 passes for 265 yards with no interceptions. - Worth watching: Cal threw for 265 of its 305 yards and ran for just 40. When the offense leans this hard on the pass, his 1+ touchdown line is the steady version of the bet.

Ian Strong 40+ receiving yards (-210 at FanDuel): CASHED - Our read: Strong had cleared 40 in all 5 of his last 5 games and 8 of his last 10, averaging 61.5 yards, and had hit in 5 of his last 6 road games. - What happened: He caught 5 passes for 71 yards, clearing the line by 31.5, with a long of 36. - Worth watching: Strong keeps producing in a pass-heavy offense. With Cal throwing 37 times, the volume behind this prop is there.

How the game played out

The first half was even. Cal took a 20-17 lead into the locker room on a 37-yard Towns McGough field goal at the gun. After that, SMU scored six unanswered touchdowns: two Christian Rhodes touchdown runs, two Jennings touchdown passes, a 1-yard Raphael run and a 10-yard EJ Kelly run. Cal was flagged 11 times for 107 yards and went 5 of 16 on third down.

Trends to watch

• SMU ran 44 times for 256 yards. Its backfield spreads the touchdowns around, with three different players scoring rushing touchdowns.
• Cal's run game produced 40 yards on 28 carries. Its passing game carries the offense.
• Neither team turned it over. Cal's struggles came from penalties and third downs, not giveaways.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. More on these bets: player props, implied probability, and the CFB hub.