Southern Methodist (6-6) vs. Fresno State (9-3)
Where: Honolulu
Time, TV: 7 p.m., ESPN Line: Fresno State by 12
The skinny: Fresno State has won its past five games by averaging 47.2 points. The Bulldogs will be going after their first 10-win season since 2001. SMU became bowl eligible by beating Conference USA champion Tulsa in its final game. After a 25-year absence brought on by the NCAA death penalty, the Mustangs are playing in a school-record fourth consecutive bowl game. ... Keep an eye on the matchup between Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr and the SMU pass defense. Carr passed for 3,742 yards and 36 TDs against only five interceptions and was No. 9 in pass efficiency among FBS schools. The Mustangs, meanwhile, rank No. 103 nationally in pass defense and gave up at least 300 yards passing in half of their games. ... Mustangs QB Garrett Gilbert began his college career by playing in the 2009 BCS Championship Game for Texas when Colt McCoy was injured after five plays against Alabama. ... The teams played one common opponent this year. Fresno State missed two extra points in losing 27-26 at Tulsa. SMU beat Tulsa 35-27.
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