ALOHA from ALOHA STADIUM

[PonyPride]

As those of you listening to the pregame show on The Ticket know, the great John Hampton has his voice back. Last night, it sounded as if he'd been coaching doubleheaders, as his voice was virtually shot. But Hamp is a seasoned professional, and this just underscores the training he puts in and the athleticism of his vocal chords, right?

[PonyPride]

Did you ask Vic about next year, or is that a closed subject right now?

Will find out after we get back to Dallas. He's got a game to help win.

[PonyPride]

Video crews from both schools are on balcony with me. Glad to see I'm not the only one who missed the "No eating or drinking in this area" sign.

[PonyPride]

According to the eyeball test, PonyFans seem to have slight numerical edge over Nevada fans and random (i.e. Hawaii) football fans.

[PonyPride]

In-game blogging will be sporadic, at best — watch the game and listen to the radio broadcast.

Will chime in with thoughts and observations every chance I get.

[PonyPride]

SMU captains just came out to nice "S M U" chant, followed by solid cheer for full team.

Captains: Rock Dennis, Chase Kennemer, Bryan McCann, Tim Crosby, Emmanuel Sanders, Kelvin Beachum, Jr.

[PonyPride]

SMU wins toss, will receive.

More soon.

[PonyPride]

Sterling Moore starting

[PonyPride]

PonyFans.com photographers Travis Johnston and David Mojica are in Aloha Stadium, clicking away.

[PonyPride]

The 71-yard pass from Padron to Beasley was second-longest of Padron's career (75-yarder to Sanders vs. Tulane)

[PonyPride]

Apparently I was right about Padron's poise. After one quarter, he's 8-of-10 for 180 yards, including four passes for first downs.

[soccermom]

Isn't this game just AWESOME beyond words--so far?!?!??! Looking great, PERUNA is looking great and the band is playing non stop and sounds great! Keep it up Mustangs!!!! Let's keep the PADRON shots coming!!!!!!

[barnesglobal]

It has been a long time for SMU, but we have finally returned to bowl games. Amazing year.

[SMUSA2013]

I can guarantee you one of the most excited people in Aloha Stadium today is SMU strength and conditioning coach Vic Viloria. Those who remember him as a former SMU linebacker, No. 55 was an extremely emotional player. Talked at length with him last night, and he admitted that he expects to be nervous and have pre-game butterflies before today's game, but assured me he won't let that interfere with his duties of getting the SMU players stretched, limbered up and fired up to play today. As a player, Vic was so emotional there were times it seemed like he might need his rabies vaccine updated, but that was a reflection of how passionate he is, about the game of football and about SMU. The man with a Mustang tattooed on his right bicep said that he has "the best job in the world," that if he didn't have a family to support, he'd probably do his job for free, and that SMU football is a large part of what he does ... and who he is. Should the Mustangs win today, there will be few, if any, prouder than Vic.

I think your right. Saw him head-butt zach Line just earlier

[Chrissy]

We have 3 generations here celebrating the Bowl in Longview, Tx and we are SO EXCITED!!!!!!! The oldest generation here was at the last game in Hawai'i and this win has not come soon enough!! SMU IS BACK!!