SMU Wins Big In Hawaii

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The SMU Mustangs defeated Fresno State 43-10 in the Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl Monday night with a dominating defensive performance.

The underdog Mustangs, playing in their 4th straight bowl game, won back to back bowl games for the first time in school history.

Defensive end Margus Hunt was named MVP.  Hunt had 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 quarterback hurries.  One of his sacks resulted in a safety.  

The Mustangs defense generated 4 takeaways, 2 fumbles and 2 interceptions.  Both interceptions were returned for touchdowns, tying an NCAA FBS record.  Hayden Greenbauer set a Hawai’i Bowl record with an 87-yard interception return for a TD, while linebacker Taylor Reed added a 69-yard interception return for a TD.

Kicker Chase Hover also set a Hawai’i Bowl record with a 48-yard field goal in the 2nd quarter.

Quarterback Garrett Gilbert completed 14 of 28 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown.  Gilbert also gained 98-yards on the ground.  Running back Zach Line rushed for 79 yards and a touchdown.  Line’s touchdown tied him with Eric Dickerson for 2nd in school history with 47 rushing TDs.

The SMU defense held Fresno State to -16 yards rushing in the game.  The Mustangs sacked the Bulldog’s quarterback 7 times, the most allowed by Fresno State all year.  Fresno State was held scoreless in the first half for the first time in 2 seasons.  

The Mustangs are 3-1 in bowl games under head coach June Jones.