Conference USA Bowl Preview - Hawaii Bowl

Southern Methodist Mustangs (6-6) VS Fresno State Bulldogs (9-3)

Ah…yes… Hawaii: beautiful, history filled, and a dream destination for most people. When it comes to football, if you’re playing in Hawaii means one of three things you are: a) playing for the Hawaii Warriors, b) playing in the NFL pro bowl, or c) playing in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. Here’s the thing, when people hear “Hawaii Bowl” they think it’s not a big game. But look at the history: Boise State played in the bowl in 2007, Notre Dame in 2008, and Arizona State in 2006. Yes, the Hawaii bowl has a had short, but eventful ten year history.

SMU barely squeaked into this game having just won their last game of the season to get the sixth win to be eligible for a bowl. While their opponents have had a dominate season claiming co-champions of the mountain west. When you look at these two teams you’ll see two things. First thing is they both have dangerous defenses. Secondly when either team have won this season it’s been by a large margin.

The Bulldogs have averaged 40 points per game this year, which makes them 12th in the country for points per game. Theirs a lot of reasons why, but without question there’s one player who stands out. Fresno State’s star player, quarterback Derek Carr, has lead this team throughout the year with his great abilities to find the receivers. Unlike his brother, David Carr former first overall drat pick in 2002, Derek likes to roll out of the pocket in the red zone. It’s almost if he doesn’t even need his offensive linemen sometimes. This ability has been a big reason why he has thrown for over 3700 yards and 36 touchdowns this year. Carr isn’t the only impact performer this year FSU’s running back Robbie Rouse has rushed for over 1400 yards and 12 touchdowns. There’s one more player on offense who Derek Carr is perfect for, and that wide receiver Davante Adams. Adams’s vertical leap is a nightmare for opponents’ defensive backfield. He can pull in almost any pass above him. Surely SMU will be putting double coverage on Adams, since they know him having 13 touchdowns and over a thousand yards receiving is no joke.

Sure Fresno State’s offense seems good, but what about their defense? Don’t worry they got it covered. Defensive Back Derron Smith is 7th in the country for interception yards having 127 on the year from his 6 picks. Smith has also returned one interception for a touchdown. But the scary thing is that Smith’s not the leader for interceptions. No there’s someone else someone who’s the leader of defense in interceptions on the team and the entire country. This, dare I call him man, is the safety Phillip Thomas, who has had picked off 8 passes this year returning 3 of them for touchdowns. Thomas is 1st in the nation for both of those categories. He’s not only a great player in the back field, but also in front having recorded 4 sacks this year.

Ok now before you close this page and tell yourself “Fresno States going to whop them” look at what SMU is brining to the table. Now I’m not going to lie SMU’s offense has had some trouble this year, especially quarterback Garret Gilbert who’s thrown for 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Don’t expect to see him pass a lot against the amazing secondary he will be facing. What you will see though is SMU’s running back, Zach Line, to get the ball. Line has rushed for 1200 yards and 12 touchdowns this year, but also being a threat on screen passes having recorded 231 yards receiving. Line is a fast player, if he’s given one shred of daylight he’ll be gone. He can juke out almost any defender, and also plow right through them.

SMU also has a solid defense, having allowed an average of 27 points per game this year, they have adapted to their opponents styles. Their most important player on defense is defensive end Margus Hunt, who’s already projected to be a 2nd round pick in the NFL draft this year. Hunt stands at 6-8 weighing 280 pounds, now I don’t know about you but I think that’s a pretty big end. Hunt has had 6 sacks this year and has deflected 2 passes. But he’s not a star player, he’s a playmaker. Hunt comes off the end exploding into offenses’ backfields and causing them problems. This will be a problem for Carr too, since when he rolls out he’ll most likely be greeted by Hunt for a sack.

Even though SMU’s defense is much more physical then Fresno’s Offensive line. Fresno State’s offense will be able to get drives going and score.

My Prediction is Fresno State 42 SMU 17