New Mexico Bowl: BYU vs SMU
BYU takes on SMU in what could be another miracle bowl. The Cougars are coming off a win over Stanford and a three-game win streak. SMU is coming off a win over Memphis. BYU is looking to end the independence era on a high note and finish at 8-5 the same way they started in 2011.
New Mexico Bowl will host the Cougars and the Mustangs in the 17th game of the New Mexico Bowl. The two teams are battling for the Native American Clay Pot.
Game Information
TV Channel: ABC
Time: 7 pm EST
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Depth Chart
Changes
QB: Cade Fennegan will start
Flash linebacker: Fisher Jackson
What to Expect from the Cougars
With Jaren Hall out its time for BYU to have to start yet another freshman. The coaching staff is trusting Cade Fennegan. Many wonder how productive the BYU offense can be without Jaren Hall, and Lopini Katoa.
The defense is looking at playing a complete game and carrying that into next season. Without certain players though its looking like the BYU defense once again is going to have some young players on the field but that hasn’t stopped them all season.
What to Expect from the Mustangs
The SMU offense is rolling and is hard to stop. Tanner Mordecai leads the Mustangs at the quarterback position and then Tyler Lavine at running back. Great for the BYU offense that SMU is way more air raid because the run defense is lacking. Rashee Rice leads the team in receiving yards but he will not play as he has declared for the NFL draft.
The defense good at stopping the run which could pose a problem for the BYU offense as they don’t have Jaren Hall. As the run game for the Cougars has been struggling all season.
Players to Watch
The names below are players to watch in this game as these players are looking to play in the NFL one day. They are not in any particular order or done by position.
BYU
Blake Freeland
Offensive Lineman starter for the last three years and has helped lead the line to keep the quarterbacks safe and give the running backs time. Played in all the games in the last two seasons.
Puka Nacua
Nacua has been struggling with an ankle injury and that has slowed him down but he is still turning heads. He has still been apart the offense in a big role and he has to have a big game tomorrow for the Cougars to beat the Mustangs.
Earl Tuioti-Mariner
The veteran of the defense who has played in 42 games for the Cougars. He has 50 tackles in his career, 25 sacks and two quarterback hits. He is ready to lead at the next NFL and is ready to lead the BYU defense one more time this weekend.
Kaleb Hayes
Hayes has played in 23 games after transferring from Oregon State. With 59 tackles and 19 quarterback hits with his time at BYU.
SMU
Jordan Kerley
Wide receiver for the Mustangs has played in 18 games, has 735 yards, and nine touchdowns. A junior transfer from Arizona State and has been a very productive receiver for the Mustangs.
Tanner Mordecai
Mordecai has played in 23 games for the Mustangs at quarterback. He has 6,934 yards, 70 touchdowns, and has rushed for 320 yards and four touchdowns. Leading the Mustangs to a 7-5 season.
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