FREDDY WILLS POD
SMU +13 3.3 DIME PLAY + .7DIMES ON SMU +360
Well some of you may be surprised, but taking under dogs has never scared me. Hope you all have a great holiday and with not much else going on here on the eve of Christmas the Hawaii Bowl should be on everyone's TV. Tonight SMU has all the motivational advantage against the WAC team.
First of all we can talk this match up comes down to two things. SMU's suspect run defense vs. Nevada's #1 running game, and Nevada's suspect #119 pass defense vs. SMU's #28 passing attack. Well along with those two things I also like SMU to have a bit of a motivational and emotional advantage which is more of a big deal than you realize. Nevada may come out a little flat because of the crushing loss to Boise in the WAC title game. They made that game closer than it really was at 44-33. Now SMU comes in without the nerves as they haven't been to a bowl game in 25 years, but enter June Jones the former Hawaii coach and in his second year this team is going bowling and ironically back to the place where June Jones used to play Nevada, Hawaii. I just believe SMU is going to come out wiht an intensity like no other in this game. While their rank says they are #100 in rushing game since Kyle Padron took over at QB it has really opened up the game and they do feature a 100 yard rusher in Shawnbrey McNeal.
Why can SMU stop the run? Well they really can't let's be honest here Nevada is going to runt he ball 90% of the time and are #1 in rush defense, but if they can make some opportunistic stops they will be right in the thick of things and that is what this defense has done all year. This rush defense is a little better than many are giving them credit for they are ranked #88 but faced a 61 rushing attack while Nevada #1 in rush offense has only faced an average 87th ranked opponent. Okay so there is one team that SMU played that can be compared to this game and that was Navy. Now Navy #4 in rushing the ball has a better defense than what Nevada has and in that game SMU lost in OT 35-38. Also note that Nevada's three headed monster rushing attack featuring three 1,000 rushers is going to be without one in monster Lippincott who is out for this game. The key for SMU is get their passing game going against Nevada and get out to a lead which shouldn't be a problem considering....
Nevada has not fared well against talented passing games and with Padron going to Sanders the all time SMU leading receiver it will mean trouble for Nevada. Emmanuel Sanders has 91 receptions 1,215 yards receiveing both records at SMU. He has speed to burn and get pick you apart when he goes deep or when he catches slant routes and gets yard after the catch. Remember June Jones knows Nevada as he is 4-0 against them in Honolulu. Also worth noting is that Nevada's defensive coordinator has left the program to take the coaching job at Portland State. This leaves Nevada in even more trouble in my opinion. Let's just go over the numbers here. Against Top 35 passing attacks which SMU falls under, Nevada game up 34.66 points per game and were 3-3. Only one game would have covered the spread they have here. SMU arguably has better defenses than Notre Dame (L0-35), Utah State (W35-32), Idaho (W70-45), Hawaii (31-21). This game should be extremely interesting and a shoot out in the end I think SMU will have a good shot at winning this game outright. Or worse case a back door passing TDs gets the cover.
SMU +13 3.3 DIME PLAY + .7DIMES ON SMU +360
Well some of you may be surprised, but taking under dogs has never scared me. Hope you all have a great holiday and with not much else going on here on the eve of Christmas the Hawaii Bowl should be on everyone's TV. Tonight SMU has all the motivational advantage against the WAC team.
First of all we can talk this match up comes down to two things. SMU's suspect run defense vs. Nevada's #1 running game, and Nevada's suspect #119 pass defense vs. SMU's #28 passing attack. Well along with those two things I also like SMU to have a bit of a motivational and emotional advantage which is more of a big deal than you realize. Nevada may come out a little flat because of the crushing loss to Boise in the WAC title game. They made that game closer than it really was at 44-33. Now SMU comes in without the nerves as they haven't been to a bowl game in 25 years, but enter June Jones the former Hawaii coach and in his second year this team is going bowling and ironically back to the place where June Jones used to play Nevada, Hawaii. I just believe SMU is going to come out wiht an intensity like no other in this game. While their rank says they are #100 in rushing game since Kyle Padron took over at QB it has really opened up the game and they do feature a 100 yard rusher in Shawnbrey McNeal.
Why can SMU stop the run? Well they really can't let's be honest here Nevada is going to runt he ball 90% of the time and are #1 in rush defense, but if they can make some opportunistic stops they will be right in the thick of things and that is what this defense has done all year. This rush defense is a little better than many are giving them credit for they are ranked #88 but faced a 61 rushing attack while Nevada #1 in rush offense has only faced an average 87th ranked opponent. Okay so there is one team that SMU played that can be compared to this game and that was Navy. Now Navy #4 in rushing the ball has a better defense than what Nevada has and in that game SMU lost in OT 35-38. Also note that Nevada's three headed monster rushing attack featuring three 1,000 rushers is going to be without one in monster Lippincott who is out for this game. The key for SMU is get their passing game going against Nevada and get out to a lead which shouldn't be a problem considering....
Nevada has not fared well against talented passing games and with Padron going to Sanders the all time SMU leading receiver it will mean trouble for Nevada. Emmanuel Sanders has 91 receptions 1,215 yards receiveing both records at SMU. He has speed to burn and get pick you apart when he goes deep or when he catches slant routes and gets yard after the catch. Remember June Jones knows Nevada as he is 4-0 against them in Honolulu. Also worth noting is that Nevada's defensive coordinator has left the program to take the coaching job at Portland State. This leaves Nevada in even more trouble in my opinion. Let's just go over the numbers here. Against Top 35 passing attacks which SMU falls under, Nevada game up 34.66 points per game and were 3-3. Only one game would have covered the spread they have here. SMU arguably has better defenses than Notre Dame (L0-35), Utah State (W35-32), Idaho (W70-45), Hawaii (31-21). This game should be extremely interesting and a shoot out in the end I think SMU will have a good shot at winning this game outright. Or worse case a back door passing TDs gets the cover.
Nick "BookieKiller" Parsons
SMU/Nevada UNDER 72.5
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For a number of different reasons I believe the value in this game is on the "under":
SMU coach June Jones feels right at home in the Lone Star State; the matchup with Western Athletic Conference runner-up Nevada is SMU’s first bowl game in 25 years.
“We’re excited to play Nevada,” Jones said. “Having played Nevada many times while I was at Hawaii, I have a great deal of respect for Coach (Chris) Ault and his program. Their rushing attack will pose a stiff challenge, but we’re really looking forward to the game.”
Jones returns to Hawaii, where he rebuilt the Warriors’ program in much the same way he has gone about resurrecting the SMU program, which went 1-11 last year in Jones’ first season.
SMU is 28th nationally in passing at 267.2 yards per game, but the biggest improvement has come in the ground game. SMU has run for 96 yards or more in each of the past four games. Also, ball control has helped the Mustangs win the time-of-possession battle, keeping their thin defense on the sideline.
Keep in mind that SMU has seen the total go "under" the posted number in two of three games this year as an underdog of 10 1/2 to 21 points this season, and in three of four when playing against a team with a winning record.
On the other side of the field: The Wolf Pack is the first team in NCAA history to have three 1,000-yard rushers in the same season.
QB Colin Kaepernick and running backs Vai Taua and Luke Lippincott all eclipsed the mark before the regular-season finale against Boise State.
Interesting though that Nevada was held to 242 rushing yards by the Broncos, the Wolf Pack’s lowest rushing total since the third game of the season, a loss to Missouri; I expect a similar letdown in this one as Nevada seems to have difficulties in "big games".
Also important; the trio will be a twosome against SMU, as Lippincott will miss the game with a toe injury.
Nevada has history against it; the Wolf Pack has lost its last three bowl games, and current SMU coach Jones is 4-0 against the Wolf Pack in Honolulu, a stat that dates back to his days as Hawaii’s head coach.
Surprisingly, Nevada has seen the total go "under" the posted number in three of four non-conference games this season.
Bottom line: SMU must ratchet up the intensity and physical nature of its defensive front and linebackers to contain the Wolf Pack’s ground attack.
With the extended time off, I look for both teams offenses to come out "sluggishly" to begin this game and believe that will ultimately be the difference in this one; when taking into account all of the above factors, along with this large number, the sharp money is on the UNDER!
*9* UNDER.[/FONT]
SMU/Nevada UNDER 72.5
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For a number of different reasons I believe the value in this game is on the "under":
SMU coach June Jones feels right at home in the Lone Star State; the matchup with Western Athletic Conference runner-up Nevada is SMU’s first bowl game in 25 years.
“We’re excited to play Nevada,” Jones said. “Having played Nevada many times while I was at Hawaii, I have a great deal of respect for Coach (Chris) Ault and his program. Their rushing attack will pose a stiff challenge, but we’re really looking forward to the game.”
Jones returns to Hawaii, where he rebuilt the Warriors’ program in much the same way he has gone about resurrecting the SMU program, which went 1-11 last year in Jones’ first season.
SMU is 28th nationally in passing at 267.2 yards per game, but the biggest improvement has come in the ground game. SMU has run for 96 yards or more in each of the past four games. Also, ball control has helped the Mustangs win the time-of-possession battle, keeping their thin defense on the sideline.
Keep in mind that SMU has seen the total go "under" the posted number in two of three games this year as an underdog of 10 1/2 to 21 points this season, and in three of four when playing against a team with a winning record.
On the other side of the field: The Wolf Pack is the first team in NCAA history to have three 1,000-yard rushers in the same season.
QB Colin Kaepernick and running backs Vai Taua and Luke Lippincott all eclipsed the mark before the regular-season finale against Boise State.
Interesting though that Nevada was held to 242 rushing yards by the Broncos, the Wolf Pack’s lowest rushing total since the third game of the season, a loss to Missouri; I expect a similar letdown in this one as Nevada seems to have difficulties in "big games".
Also important; the trio will be a twosome against SMU, as Lippincott will miss the game with a toe injury.
Nevada has history against it; the Wolf Pack has lost its last three bowl games, and current SMU coach Jones is 4-0 against the Wolf Pack in Honolulu, a stat that dates back to his days as Hawaii’s head coach.
Surprisingly, Nevada has seen the total go "under" the posted number in three of four non-conference games this season.
Bottom line: SMU must ratchet up the intensity and physical nature of its defensive front and linebackers to contain the Wolf Pack’s ground attack.
With the extended time off, I look for both teams offenses to come out "sluggishly" to begin this game and believe that will ultimately be the difference in this one; when taking into account all of the above factors, along with this large number, the sharp money is on the UNDER!
*9* UNDER.[/FONT]
Tony George
SMU +12.5
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]RB Lippincott is out for Nevada. They are a run oriented team and this guy is a stud. That is 60% of their offense. SMU June Jones returns home and was dearly loved by Hawaii fans and this will be a partisan crowd in favor of SMY. SMU beat eventual conference champ East Carolina, their back up QB stepped in after injury to their starter and is 4-1, they can score points, and they can hang within this number. SMU has not been to a bowl in 17 years, they are motivated in a place very familiar to the head coach. They hang tough.
Play 1 Unit on SMU.[/FONT]
SMU +12.5
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]RB Lippincott is out for Nevada. They are a run oriented team and this guy is a stud. That is 60% of their offense. SMU June Jones returns home and was dearly loved by Hawaii fans and this will be a partisan crowd in favor of SMY. SMU beat eventual conference champ East Carolina, their back up QB stepped in after injury to their starter and is 4-1, they can score points, and they can hang within this number. SMU has not been to a bowl in 17 years, they are motivated in a place very familiar to the head coach. They hang tough.
Play 1 Unit on SMU.[/FONT]
Xavier Singleton
Southern Methodist (7-5) vs Nevada (8-4) 8:00 pm
5 Units UNDER 72 @ 5dimes
Analysis:
Nevada became the first team in Football Bowl Subdivision history with three 1,000-yard rushers in the same season. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick and running backs Vai Taua and Luke Lippincott all eclipsed the mark before the regular-season finale against Boise State. The key to Nevada’s success is the running game. In Nevada’s four losses, the Wolf Pack averaged 195.5 yards per game on the ground. During its eight wins, Nevada averaged 445.6 rushing yards per game. Nevada still leads the nation in rushing. This is pick is about Nevada run game. I understand that SMU has trouble against the run, but you know what running the ball does? It gives you the ability to control the clock. This number is simply too high for this game. I don't have much faith in SMU ability to stop the run, but how can you expect a team that just want to run, run, run the ball to score 45 points? This Nevada team shouldn't have much trouble, but 72 combined points is for squares. We will take the sharp UNDER, and cash it out tonight.
Southern Methodist (7-5) vs Nevada (8-4) 8:00 pm
5 Units UNDER 72 @ 5dimes
Analysis:
Nevada became the first team in Football Bowl Subdivision history with three 1,000-yard rushers in the same season. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick and running backs Vai Taua and Luke Lippincott all eclipsed the mark before the regular-season finale against Boise State. The key to Nevada’s success is the running game. In Nevada’s four losses, the Wolf Pack averaged 195.5 yards per game on the ground. During its eight wins, Nevada averaged 445.6 rushing yards per game. Nevada still leads the nation in rushing. This is pick is about Nevada run game. I understand that SMU has trouble against the run, but you know what running the ball does? It gives you the ability to control the clock. This number is simply too high for this game. I don't have much faith in SMU ability to stop the run, but how can you expect a team that just want to run, run, run the ball to score 45 points? This Nevada team shouldn't have much trouble, but 72 combined points is for squares. We will take the sharp UNDER, and cash it out tonight.
Evan Altemus
SMU +12.5
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]There are a variety of reasons for this selection, but the biggest reason is Nevada’s shaky defense. They have given up an average of 400 yards this season, including close to 300 yards to opposing passing attacks. June Jones spread offense should have no problem moving the ball against this porous Wolfpack defense. Next, motivation will clearly be on the side of SMU in this game. It has been several years since the Mustangs have reached a bowl, so they will be motivated for this game. Meanwhile, Nevada is back playing in an average bowl against a no name opponent. The Wolfpack have not done well in bowls over the last few years anyway. Nevada will also have a hard time in this game considering that they will be without two of their best running backs. Vai Taua is academically ineligible and Luke Lippencott is out with a toe injury. Those two running backs account for about 2/3 of the Nevada offense, as the Wolfpack rarely throws the ball. One final reason supporting this selection is that June Jones played against Nevada every year when at Hawaii, so he is very knowledgeable on how to defend the pistol offense. He played them very tough when at Hawaii, and I expect his experience against them to have an impact on this game as well. Look for SMU to challenge for the outright win.
3 UNIT SELECTION SMU.[/FONT]
SMU +12.5
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]There are a variety of reasons for this selection, but the biggest reason is Nevada’s shaky defense. They have given up an average of 400 yards this season, including close to 300 yards to opposing passing attacks. June Jones spread offense should have no problem moving the ball against this porous Wolfpack defense. Next, motivation will clearly be on the side of SMU in this game. It has been several years since the Mustangs have reached a bowl, so they will be motivated for this game. Meanwhile, Nevada is back playing in an average bowl against a no name opponent. The Wolfpack have not done well in bowls over the last few years anyway. Nevada will also have a hard time in this game considering that they will be without two of their best running backs. Vai Taua is academically ineligible and Luke Lippencott is out with a toe injury. Those two running backs account for about 2/3 of the Nevada offense, as the Wolfpack rarely throws the ball. One final reason supporting this selection is that June Jones played against Nevada every year when at Hawaii, so he is very knowledgeable on how to defend the pistol offense. He played them very tough when at Hawaii, and I expect his experience against them to have an impact on this game as well. Look for SMU to challenge for the outright win.
3 UNIT SELECTION SMU.[/FONT]
Kyle Brown
Southern Methodist (7-5) vs Nevada (8-4) 8:00 pm
5* Nevada -12 -110 @ WSEX
Analysis:
Nevada can run the ball, but did you know that Wolf Packs quarterback Colin Kaepernick threw for three touchdowns in the final game of the regular season and has now accounted for 35 touchdowns;16 rushing and 19 passing this year. Kaepernick rushed for 1,160 yards and passed for 1,875 in the regular season. Running back Vai Taua a junior is ninth in the NCAA in rushing yards per game at 122.3. He has 10 rushing touchdowns, including five in the past four games. He may have an even larger role with Luke Lippincott out for the bowl game. Taua carried a season-high 24 times against Boise State, a game in which Lippincott was limited to one carry. Nevadas wide receiver Brandon Wimberly is expected to win WAC Freshman of the Year honors after hauling in 46 passes for 653 yards and five touchdowns.
SMU has had problems all year against the run. The Mustangs are allowing 169.2 yards per game to rank 88th nationally, and are allowing 29.1 points per game ranked 90th in the nation. That will be a problem against Nevada, which leads the nation in rushing yardage at 362.3 yards per game. SMU must ratchet up the intensity and physical nature of its defensive front and linebackers to contain the Wolf Pack’s ground attack, which will not happen even with one of Nevadas 1000 yard rushers not in the game. The Mustangs have met their Hawaii Bowl opponent, old WAC foe Nevada, five times. Nevada holds a 3-2 advantage in the series and will make it a 4-2 advantage after tonight, also SMU is 4-5-1 in its limited bowl history. There is no doubt at all that Nevada will just punish SMU and win this game with ease and cover the spread easily.
Southern Methodist (7-5) vs Nevada (8-4) 8:00 pm
5* Nevada -12 -110 @ WSEX
Analysis:
Nevada can run the ball, but did you know that Wolf Packs quarterback Colin Kaepernick threw for three touchdowns in the final game of the regular season and has now accounted for 35 touchdowns;16 rushing and 19 passing this year. Kaepernick rushed for 1,160 yards and passed for 1,875 in the regular season. Running back Vai Taua a junior is ninth in the NCAA in rushing yards per game at 122.3. He has 10 rushing touchdowns, including five in the past four games. He may have an even larger role with Luke Lippincott out for the bowl game. Taua carried a season-high 24 times against Boise State, a game in which Lippincott was limited to one carry. Nevadas wide receiver Brandon Wimberly is expected to win WAC Freshman of the Year honors after hauling in 46 passes for 653 yards and five touchdowns.
SMU has had problems all year against the run. The Mustangs are allowing 169.2 yards per game to rank 88th nationally, and are allowing 29.1 points per game ranked 90th in the nation. That will be a problem against Nevada, which leads the nation in rushing yardage at 362.3 yards per game. SMU must ratchet up the intensity and physical nature of its defensive front and linebackers to contain the Wolf Pack’s ground attack, which will not happen even with one of Nevadas 1000 yard rushers not in the game. The Mustangs have met their Hawaii Bowl opponent, old WAC foe Nevada, five times. Nevada holds a 3-2 advantage in the series and will make it a 4-2 advantage after tonight, also SMU is 4-5-1 in its limited bowl history. There is no doubt at all that Nevada will just punish SMU and win this game with ease and cover the spread easily.
NELLYS GREENSHEET (Bowls 2-5)
Nevada (-14½) Smu (73½)
Nevada brings huge statistics into this game but they have done so the past four years and
came up empty in each of the last three bowl games. The only bowl win for Nevada in this era
came in ’05 in Hawaii but it was one-point win in overtime in a game where the Wolfpack were
favored. Last season Nevada was a popular play-on team that disappointed and in ’07 the
Wolfpack laid a complete egg, getting shutout 23-0. This will be a much bigger game for SMU
as Coach Jones returns to Hawaii and the Mustangs will be well supported because of his
presence. SMU went 1-11 in ‘08 and is now in a bowl game and the schedule and a few
fortunate wins certainly played a role. For the year SMU was out-scored and out-gained and
six of seven wins came by eight points or less. Nevada rushes for an absurd 362 yards per
game and the Mustangs will have trouble with this match-up but much of that total came in a
few blowouts against awful WAC teams. Nevada went 1-3 in non-conference play and SMU
will have had plenty of time to prepare for the unique Wolfpack offense. Nevada’s defense
allows 284 yards per game passing so SMU should also find some scoring opportunities.
Since Coach Jones coached at Hawaii he is very familiar with Nevada and he had success in
this match-up. SMU battled injuries as various points this season and should be a more
complete team for this game and the strong trends for Nevada as favorites featured almost
exclusively home games. Going against Nevada has a lot of risk as the blowout loss is a
possibility as it is hard to sustain the pounding ground attack but SMU has an offense that
may be able to keep pace in these circumstances. Nevada has not performed well outside of
conference play and another disappointing bowl performance is a possibility.
NEVADA BY 10
RATING 1: Smu (+14½) over Nevada
Nevada (-14½) Smu (73½)
Nevada brings huge statistics into this game but they have done so the past four years and
came up empty in each of the last three bowl games. The only bowl win for Nevada in this era
came in ’05 in Hawaii but it was one-point win in overtime in a game where the Wolfpack were
favored. Last season Nevada was a popular play-on team that disappointed and in ’07 the
Wolfpack laid a complete egg, getting shutout 23-0. This will be a much bigger game for SMU
as Coach Jones returns to Hawaii and the Mustangs will be well supported because of his
presence. SMU went 1-11 in ‘08 and is now in a bowl game and the schedule and a few
fortunate wins certainly played a role. For the year SMU was out-scored and out-gained and
six of seven wins came by eight points or less. Nevada rushes for an absurd 362 yards per
game and the Mustangs will have trouble with this match-up but much of that total came in a
few blowouts against awful WAC teams. Nevada went 1-3 in non-conference play and SMU
will have had plenty of time to prepare for the unique Wolfpack offense. Nevada’s defense
allows 284 yards per game passing so SMU should also find some scoring opportunities.
Since Coach Jones coached at Hawaii he is very familiar with Nevada and he had success in
this match-up. SMU battled injuries as various points this season and should be a more
complete team for this game and the strong trends for Nevada as favorites featured almost
exclusively home games. Going against Nevada has a lot of risk as the blowout loss is a
possibility as it is hard to sustain the pounding ground attack but SMU has an offense that
may be able to keep pace in these circumstances. Nevada has not performed well outside of
conference play and another disappointing bowl performance is a possibility.
NEVADA BY 10
RATING 1: Smu (+14½) over Nevada
Bob Balfe
SMU/Nevada UNDER 72
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Nevada is a great running team going against a below average defense. The Wolfpack will not be full strength as 2 of their top 3 1000+ yard rushers are out of this game. Colin Kaepemick is still going to have a good day running the ball, but his duties will first be on being a productive QB. Nevada will not struggle running the ball however they will be less productive in the number of yards they rack up. The Wolfpack game plan will still stay the same. SMU is outmatched in this game. Sure, June Jones has done a great job at turning this program around and they do have a good passing game, but they play very weak teams. SMU also had a QB change during the last two months of the season. I am not sold that the now starting QB Kyle Padron is ready for a big game such as this. All of the bowl games have gone over the total and since its being played in Hawaii gamblers automatically take the Over. I think both teams will not live up to the hype on offense. There will be points, but scoring 72 will take a lot. Look for this game to stay UNDER the total.[/FONT]
SMU/Nevada UNDER 72
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Nevada is a great running team going against a below average defense. The Wolfpack will not be full strength as 2 of their top 3 1000+ yard rushers are out of this game. Colin Kaepemick is still going to have a good day running the ball, but his duties will first be on being a productive QB. Nevada will not struggle running the ball however they will be less productive in the number of yards they rack up. The Wolfpack game plan will still stay the same. SMU is outmatched in this game. Sure, June Jones has done a great job at turning this program around and they do have a good passing game, but they play very weak teams. SMU also had a QB change during the last two months of the season. I am not sold that the now starting QB Kyle Padron is ready for a big game such as this. All of the bowl games have gone over the total and since its being played in Hawaii gamblers automatically take the Over. I think both teams will not live up to the hype on offense. There will be points, but scoring 72 will take a lot. Look for this game to stay UNDER the total.[/FONT]
Dwayne Bryant
SMU +13
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]SMU coach June Jones returns to his old stomping grounds, as he spent nine seasons in charge of the Hawaii program. Now Jones brings his Mustangs to the island for the program's first bowl appearance in 22 years. Motivation will definitely NOT be a problem for SMU. SMU has had problems stopping the run this season, which should mean much trouble against Nevada's vaunted rushing attack. But Nevada has lost two-thirds of that three-headed monster, with RB Luke Lippincott out with a toe injury and RB Vai Taua ruled academically ineligible.
On the flip side, Nevada has the second-worst pass defense in the nation, which will be a problem in this one. SMU brings the nation's 29th best passing attack into this ballgame. Freshman QB Kyle Padron has really excelled in Jones' spread offense, winning four of his five starts while tossing 64.4% completions for 1,462 yards and 8 TDs with only 4 INTs. It should also be noted that Nevada defensive coordinator Nigel Burton resigned to become the head coach at Portland State. That leaves linebackers coach Ken Wilson to run the defense for the first time in this one.
Bottom line: Nevada is missing two-thirds of their rushing attack, and their defensive coordinator has "left the building." That should be more than enough issues to keep SMU in this game until the very end. Jones will have his troops ready to play on his former home field. Grab the points with SMU.[/FONT]
SMU +13
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]SMU coach June Jones returns to his old stomping grounds, as he spent nine seasons in charge of the Hawaii program. Now Jones brings his Mustangs to the island for the program's first bowl appearance in 22 years. Motivation will definitely NOT be a problem for SMU. SMU has had problems stopping the run this season, which should mean much trouble against Nevada's vaunted rushing attack. But Nevada has lost two-thirds of that three-headed monster, with RB Luke Lippincott out with a toe injury and RB Vai Taua ruled academically ineligible.
On the flip side, Nevada has the second-worst pass defense in the nation, which will be a problem in this one. SMU brings the nation's 29th best passing attack into this ballgame. Freshman QB Kyle Padron has really excelled in Jones' spread offense, winning four of his five starts while tossing 64.4% completions for 1,462 yards and 8 TDs with only 4 INTs. It should also be noted that Nevada defensive coordinator Nigel Burton resigned to become the head coach at Portland State. That leaves linebackers coach Ken Wilson to run the defense for the first time in this one.
Bottom line: Nevada is missing two-thirds of their rushing attack, and their defensive coordinator has "left the building." That should be more than enough issues to keep SMU in this game until the very end. Jones will have his troops ready to play on his former home field. Grab the points with SMU.[/FONT]
