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The BYU Cougars and the SMU Mustangs have had some time off and are no doubt ready to hit the field. Bowl season is underway, and BYU and SMU will compete for postseason bragging rights in the New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
The Cougars had a touchdown and change to spare in a 35-26 win over the Stanford Cardinal three weeks ago. The team accrued 28 points in the first half and coasted on those for the victory. BYU's QB Jaren Hall did his thing and passed for two TDs and 93 yards on 11 attempts in addition to rushing for one TD and 69 yards.
Meanwhile, things were close when SMU and the Memphis Tigers clashed three weeks ago, but SMU ultimately edged out the opposition 34-31. The Mustangs can attribute much of their success to WR Rashee Rice, who caught 13 passes for one TD and 147 yards, and QB Tanner Mordecai, who passed for two TDs and 228 yards on 30 attempts.
The Cougars are expected to lose this next one by 3.5. Those who got lucky with them against the spread three weeks ago might want to hold off on placing bets this time since the team has yet to string together back-to-back wins against the spread.
Two offensive stats to keep an eye on: BYU comes into the game boasting the 11th most passing touchdowns in the nation at 32. The Mustangs have displayed some offensive firepower of their own as they rank sixth in the nation when it comes to passing yards per game, with 324.9 on average.
