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The 17th annual New Mexico bowl will Southern Methodist out of the American Athletic Conference take on the independent BYU Cougars. Both teams are 7-5. BYU has appeared in a bowl game each season since 2005 with the exception of 2017. This will be SMU’s first bowl game since 2019; their last bowl win came in 2012.
When: Saturday, December 17th @ 7:30 PM ET
Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Who: SMU vs. BYU
Spread & Total: SMU -4; O/U 64.5
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Tale of the Tape: SMU Mustangs
The high-scoring Mustangs loaded up their non-conference schedule with three of four teams being bowl eligible, including TCU. There were some rumblings of internal turmoil early with players electing to sit out the remainder of the season. However, the players returned and the season got back on the tracks for SMU. Once the four players returned, the offense took off and the wins started flowing in; from October 14th thru the end of the season, SMU averaged 41.1 PPG.
Unfortunately for SMU, the leading receiver nationally Rashee Rice will be out, along with offensive lineman Jaylan Thomas. Rice’s 96 receptions (31.4% of team receptions), 1,355 receiving yards (34.8%) and 10 touchdowns (29.4%) all lead the team.
Transfer Portal Departures: N/A
Players to Know: QB Tanner Mordecai
Ranks 18th nationally in passing yards (3,363) and tied for 9th in passing touchdowns (31). Just under 7,000 passing yards and 70 touchdowns over the last two seasons.
S Nick Roberts
Senior who ranks second on the team with 62 tackles. Leads the team with three interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Tale of the Tape: BYU Cougars
A preseason sleeper team to make the College Football Playoff, BUY was riding high after a Week 2 overtime win over Baylor. The undefeated season came to a quick halt the following week, getting blown out by Bo Nix and Oregon. When the season got tough, BYU failed to rise to the occasion. Four straight losses to Notre Dame, Arkansas, Liberty and East Carolina plagued the middle of the season. BYU did have nine of 12 games against bowl eligible teams, going 4-5.
Quarterback Jaren Hall is expected to be out for the bowl game due to injury. Hall ranked 21st nationally in passing yards (3,171) and tied with Mordecai with 31 touchdowns.
No one mentioned above as a possible Hall replacement has attempted a pass this season. Leading receiver Puka Nacua is also questionable for the bowl game, as he is dealing with nagging injuries per the team.
Transfer Portal Departures: N/A
Player to Know: RB Christopher Brooks
A Cal transfer, leads the team in rushing with 111 carries for 729 rushing yards and five scores.
LB Ben Bywater
Leads the team with 87 tackles. Recorded one sack, two pass breakups, and two interceptions on the season.
Bowl Game Trends:
- The favorite is just 3-4 SU in Cure Bowl history, covering just twice
Game Synopsis:
Both teams are without key offensive pieces; Rice for SMU, Hall and Nacua for BYU. While Rice is the catalyst for the SMU offense, the fact BYU’s replacement for Hall has not recorded a pass this year is concerning. The spread ballooned from SMU as a one-point favorite up to four once Hall was announced as out. SMU’s defense is not overwhelming by any means, but could be to someone with no live game action. SMU is my bowl mania pick to win.
Bowl Mania Pick To Win: SMU
Bowl Mania Confidence: 18/43
