APThe 2011 Southern Miss team holds the NCAA record for most pick-sixes in a season with eight. The Golden Eagles went on to defeat Nevada 24-17 in last year’s Hawaii Bowl.
In this year’s version of the game, SMU tied USM’s NCAA record for interceptions returned for a touchdown thanks to a pair of late pick-sixes. In fact, SMU had more defensive points (14) than Fresno State had offensive points (10). Thanks to the Mustangs’ defensive efforts, SMU went on to beat the favored Bulldogs 43-10.
Leading the defensive effort for SMU was defensive end Margus Hunt, who had three tackles-for-loss, three sacks (one for a safety) and two forced fumbles. Hunt inflicted most of his damage in the first half, giving SMU a 22-0 halftime lead. The Mustangs held the Bulldogs to -16 yards rushing thanks in large part to a number of sacks on quarterback Derek Carr.
On offense, SMU running back Zach Line scored once for his 47th career rushing touchdown, tying Erikc Dickerson for a school record.
SMU now has back-to-back bowl wins in consecutive years for the first time in history and finishes the season 7-6. Fresno State finishes 9-4 after winning five in a row to end the season.
SMU had 16 defensive points, not 14.
Who cares?
2 tds = 12 not 14, extra points aren’t defensive points. Plus the safety…14 total not 16.
Who cares?
Otherwise known as the ‘no one is in the stands’ bowl…. Holy Empty Seats – WOW.
Makes me wonder how these bowls make money? Is it all from ads?
Great D by SMU – very true. Hunt is a beast.
I actually started feeling bad for the FS RT Tackle.
SMU will continue to post better records moving forward. They have a Head Coach, June Jones, who is a offensive genius. He will restore SMU to the glory days without paying players…..he wins wherever he goes.
Yet another upset and we’re hardly into the meat of the bowl schedule. Y’all said these bowls would suck and I countered that some would go as expected and others would be surprises. It will be interesting to see if that trend continues.
Good for SMU!
Have you noticed that the cameras at NFL games avoid the empty seats? I do believe they are positioned so.