BYU vs SMU: New Mexico Bowl Preview Plus Score Prediction

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – BYU/SMU is likely one of the early video games within the 2022 Bowl Season. The setting for this matchup is the seventeenth annual New Mexico Bowl.

It’s the second assembly between BYU and SMU in a bowl recreation. Fourth assembly all-time, with BYU holding a 3-0 edge towards the Mustangs.

If SMU desires their first victory towards BYU, tonight is a superb likelihood because the Cougars come into the sport with out quarterback Jaren Corridor and are more likely to miss star huge receiver Puka Nacua.

Immediately’s matchup brings BYU’s Unbiased period to a detailed. After as we speak, BYU’s subsequent soccer recreation will probably be as a member of the Large 12 Convention.

BYU vs SMU

seventeenth annual New Mexico Bowl

Kickoff: 5:30 p.m.

TV: ABC

Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM – Prolonged pregame begins at Midday)

Now it’s time for the 3-2-1 recreation preview for as we speak’s bowl recreation matchup between BYU and SMU.

Three Recreation Day Ideas

1. New faces in key spots

Except the recreation of the “Pineapple Bowl” within the outdated TV collection “Coach” takes place, BYU quarterback Jaren Corridor goes to be out for as we speak’s recreation. Since he suffered the ankle damage towards Stanford, it’s been a tall order for him to be prepared for this recreation. However, if he was wholesome, he would play.

However as we’ve seen this week in Albuquerque, with him in a boot and rolling round on a scooter, enjoying on this bowl recreation was not going to occur.

So now it creates a chance for a low-profile quarterback to step into the BYU soccer highlight. Cade Fennegan is listed because the quantity two quarterback on the depth chart this week after Corridor, however Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters has patiently waited for a chance since 2020. So does BYU reward Sol-Jay with an opportunity to showcase his playmaking skills?

Both method, we in all probability see a mix of all three quarterbacks all through the sport until one faucet into the magic James Lark had 200 miles south in Las Cruces a decade in the past.

Whereas BYU pursues quarterbacks out of the switch portal, considered one of these guys within the constructing has an opportunity to make a case as to why they need to be QB1 in BYU’s Large 12 future.

One other space to observe with some new faces doubtlessly rising is at linebacker. All three of the week one starters are out in Keenan Pili (switch portal), Payton Wilgar (damage), and Max Tooley (shoulder).

Ben Bywater is anticipated to play. However outdoors of him, it is going to be gamers who haven’t seen a lot motion getting linebackers reps. Look ahead to Fisher Jackson, usually a defensive finish with some early season success, to get time at BYU’s flash linebacker spot.

2. Eight wins sound rather a lot higher than seven

The narrative round bowl video games going right into a matchup is all the time, “nicely, it doesn’t matter.” However if you happen to lose? Oh, it issues. BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick mentioned as a lot earlier within the week.

Did anybody across the BYU program or fan base really feel good struggling losses to UAB or Hawaii lately? No. Questioning the significance of a bowl just like the New Mexico Bowl is ok. However after years go by, individuals solely take into consideration whether or not you gained the sport or misplaced. A file of 8-5 would look rather a lot higher than one other subpar 7-6 season.

3. BYU performs nicely with low expectations

With so many key gamers out for this recreation. Plus, the underperforming nature of this season that started with excessive hopes, there are low expectations for BYU getting into this recreation.

When BYU will get in a spot the place expectations are low, they usually overperform. Living proof, the win at Boise State in November.

This BYU workforce has proven loads of combat down the stretch to finish the season on a excessive be aware. I wouldn’t be shocked in the event that they exceed the expectations prognostications have for them getting into this bowl recreation.

Two BYU vs SMU Questions

1. Which BYU quarterback begins?

Once more, I feel all three quarterbacks see motion. However who will get that first snap will probably be fascinating to observe.

2. Which workforce pulls out some “specials?”

Within the grand scheme of the school soccer panorama, as we speak’s New Mexico Bowl has no affect. Each squads need the win, sure. However on the finish of the day, let’s see an entertaining ball recreation.

SMU coach Rhett Lashlee confirmed his workforce highlights of the 1980 Vacation Bowl. Exhibiting {that a} random bowl recreation can go down historical past. Will we see an epic end on this one? What might make it epic is a few trick performs or what BYU calls “specials.” Unload that playbook.

One Rating Prediction for BYU vs SMU

What I’m about to say may find yourself as a freezing-cold take, however I’m going to name for BYU to drag off an upset. It wouldn’t shock me if SMU ran away with this recreation, however BYU’s working backs ought to have loads of success towards SMU’s rush protection, which is within the backside ten nationally. BYU possibly pulls a trick play or two and comes up with a takeaway to drag off an upset to shut out Independence.

BYU 37, SMU 35

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports activities Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Mitch will probably be in Albuquerque for the 2022 New Mexico Bowl between BYU and SMU. Observe his protection on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.

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