Official SMU-UTEP Game Thread

[ALEX LIFESON]

How can this be the "official game thread", when the game doesn't start until 8:00???

[redpony]

Stallion will break 20,000 posts today

Mack probably pays him a penny per post to bash us and promote the whore-ns.

GO PONIES!!!

[smupony94]

SMU can clinch bowl eligibility for second straight season with win over UTEP

11:42 PM CDT on Friday, November 5, 2010

By KATE HAIROPOULOS / The Dallas Morning News
[email protected]

UNIVERSITY PARK – When SMU and UTEP met last season, the Miners ended up serving as the backdrop for one of the most emotional wins in recent SMU history.

The Mustangs became bowl eligible after going 1-11 the previous two seasons, though their sixth win wasn't secure until defensive end Taylor Thompson made a huge sack on fourth down late in the game. Ford Stadium felt electric.

Now the series turns to a night game at the Sun Bowl, where both programs can reach bowl eligibility with a victory. SMU (5-4, 5-1 Conference USA) is trying to build off a come-from-behind 31-17 win last week at Tulane and moved ahead of Houston in the race for the West Division title, after Houston's 40-33 loss Friday to Central Florida. The Miners (5-4, 2-4) are attempting to halt a three-game skid.

"They look like they can score a hundred, and then they haven't played well a couple games," SMU coach June Jones said of UTEP. "They've been up and down. But I'm sure they'll be up because they realize what's at stake. If they don't win it hurts their chances to get to a bowl.

"It's a big game for them and it's a big game for us."

The Mustangs need to retain the mojo they regained beginning late in the third quarter against Tulane, when they scored 28 straight points.

SMU actually took its first lead of the game in the fourth quarter on an accidental 82-yard touchdown connection between quarterback Kyle Padron and receiver Aldrick Robinson. Padron didn't like the coverage and meant to throw the ball out of bounds. Instead, Robinson grabbed it and sprinted into the end zone.

Accidental or not, defensive coordinator Tom Mason said it was the kind of play that sparked the entire team. It could be a key turning point as the Mustangs enter their final three games.

"It just happened like that – we're thankful for it," Robinson said. "We're in the position to win conference or maybe play in a conference championship and go to a bowl ... We've got to keep this streak going."

Robinson prides himself on being a big-play guy. He's averaging 120 yards receiving in C-USA games, with four touchdowns in five league games and an average of 24 yards per catch. SMU's offense is trying to put together an entire game where it moves the ball and finishes drives consistently.

Defensively, SMU also broke out of its slump last week, shutting Tulane down in the second half and earning two takeaways. The Mustangs gave up 627 yards to UTEP last season. But the Miners have struggled offensively recently, including a 21-6 loss at UAB and a 16-12 loss at Marshall.

SMU has played well in league road games, but hasn't won at UTEP since 2002.

"I think this team is a group of winners," UTEP coach Mike Price said of the Miners. "Now is the time for our leaders to step up and show the character that they have."

[smupony94]

How can this be the "official game thread", when the game doesn't start until 8:00???

This is the home of the away game Blvd. Stake your space.

[redpony]

How can this be the "official game thread", when the game doesn't start until 8:00???

Just pretend you're on the Vard getting loosened up for the start of the game.

GO PONIES!!!

[Harry0569]

No drinking today ugggh.

[CalallenStang]

No drinking today ugggh.

Give up alcohol for autumn Lent?

[smupony94]

daylight savings time tonight

[Harry0569]

No drinking today ugggh.

Give up alcohol for autumn Lent?

After last night yes.

[CalallenStang]

No drinking today ugggh.

Give up alcohol for autumn Lent?

After last night yes.

Ah crazy night, eh?

[smupony94]

Utah-TCU about to start

[that's great raplh]

Go blue

[Harry0569]

Black out sick.

[Harry0569]

Can't believe half the nation won't watch this TCU/Utah game.

[SmooPower]

hello sports humans

i have stickied this thread

can i get a bowl game up in here