CFN: SMU 35-17 Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2013 9:04 amConnecticut (0-8) at SMU (3-5) Nov. 16, 3:00, ESPN3
Why You Should Give A Hoot: If SMU is going to sniff the postseason, it better get through the next two games, because the year ends with a trip to Houston and a visit from UCF. The Mustangs have been erratic all season long, often falling behind early before rallies fall short in the second half. Last week in Cincinnati, for instance. Connecticut was no match for Louisville on Saturday, suffering its eighth straight loss to start this nightmare campaign. Only the Huskies, Hawaii, Georgia State, Southern Miss and Miami U. remain winless at the FBS level.
Why Connecticut Might Win: SMU is giving up a lot of points in 2013. Heck, just two weeks ago, lowly Temple slapped seven offensive touchdowns on the Mustangs. Their issues, especially against the pass, could provide the Huskies with a much-needed avenue to progress. Interim head coach T.J. Weist might shake things up at quarterback since rookie Tim Boyle has been unable to move the team. If someone can deliver the ball to receivers Geremy Davis and Shakim Phillips, UConn has a shot to reach the end zone on SMU.
Why SMU Might Win: The legs have gone out on the once-proud Connecticut D. Mustang QB Garrett Gilbert has quietly played well in his finale on the Hilltop, accounting for 18 touchdowns and only one pick over the last five games. He’ll pitch the ball around the field to receivers Darius Joseph, Jeremy Johnson and Keenan Holman to nullify the importance of a running game that’s been non-existent since RB Traylon Shead went on the DL.
Who To Watch Out For: SMU DE Beau Barnes means trouble for a fractured Connecticut O-line that’s allowed a whopping 38 sacks this season. Barnes is having the kind of season that should garner him all-star looks in December.
- LB Yawin Smallwood continues to stand out from the crowd in Storrs. The junior, who’ll consider early entry into the 2014 NFL Draft, leads UConn with 89 tackles and five pass breakups.
What Will Happen: Playing with a sense of urgency, SMU will make quick work of Connecticut, which has neither the talent level nor the motivation to compete in this game. Gilbert will continue to carve out a solid senior year, picking apart a gassed Husky defense for more than 400 total yards and another chunk of touchdowns. For a change, the Mustangs will not be a participant in a nail-biter of a game.
Prediction: SMU 35 … Connecticut 17
Line: SMU -15 o/u: 57
Must See Rating: (5 The Challenger Disaster – 1 MTV EMAs) … 1.5
Why You Should Give A Hoot: If SMU is going to sniff the postseason, it better get through the next two games, because the year ends with a trip to Houston and a visit from UCF. The Mustangs have been erratic all season long, often falling behind early before rallies fall short in the second half. Last week in Cincinnati, for instance. Connecticut was no match for Louisville on Saturday, suffering its eighth straight loss to start this nightmare campaign. Only the Huskies, Hawaii, Georgia State, Southern Miss and Miami U. remain winless at the FBS level.
Why Connecticut Might Win: SMU is giving up a lot of points in 2013. Heck, just two weeks ago, lowly Temple slapped seven offensive touchdowns on the Mustangs. Their issues, especially against the pass, could provide the Huskies with a much-needed avenue to progress. Interim head coach T.J. Weist might shake things up at quarterback since rookie Tim Boyle has been unable to move the team. If someone can deliver the ball to receivers Geremy Davis and Shakim Phillips, UConn has a shot to reach the end zone on SMU.
Why SMU Might Win: The legs have gone out on the once-proud Connecticut D. Mustang QB Garrett Gilbert has quietly played well in his finale on the Hilltop, accounting for 18 touchdowns and only one pick over the last five games. He’ll pitch the ball around the field to receivers Darius Joseph, Jeremy Johnson and Keenan Holman to nullify the importance of a running game that’s been non-existent since RB Traylon Shead went on the DL.
Who To Watch Out For: SMU DE Beau Barnes means trouble for a fractured Connecticut O-line that’s allowed a whopping 38 sacks this season. Barnes is having the kind of season that should garner him all-star looks in December.
- LB Yawin Smallwood continues to stand out from the crowd in Storrs. The junior, who’ll consider early entry into the 2014 NFL Draft, leads UConn with 89 tackles and five pass breakups.
What Will Happen: Playing with a sense of urgency, SMU will make quick work of Connecticut, which has neither the talent level nor the motivation to compete in this game. Gilbert will continue to carve out a solid senior year, picking apart a gassed Husky defense for more than 400 total yards and another chunk of touchdowns. For a change, the Mustangs will not be a participant in a nail-biter of a game.
Prediction: SMU 35 … Connecticut 17
Line: SMU -15 o/u: 57
Must See Rating: (5 The Challenger Disaster – 1 MTV EMAs) … 1.5