SMU vs. Fresno State

The Hawaii bowl and SMU coach June Jones returns to his glory days on the Big Island. SMU had to fight hard to get this game with a 35-27 win against Tulsa in the regular-season finale, as well as winning four of their final six games. The offense has been clicking behind junior QB Garrett Gilbert, scoring 72, 44, 34 and 35 in those wins. The Mustangs will be playing for their third bowl championship in four seasons, having won the 2009 Hawaii Bowl and the 2012 Compass Bowl. In 2009 Jones returned to Hawaii for this bowl and as a +11 dog destroyed Nevada, 45-10. He has the type of speed-oriented passing offense that is a perfect fit for the Hawaii fast carpet. SMU also has balance on offense with 2012 C-USA Offensive Player of the Year RB Zach Line (1,207 yards, 4.7 ypc). The SMU defense is decent, tied for the national lead in pick-sixes and is tied for third in the nation in total takeaways. The Mustangs are also tied for sixth in interceptions and for third in fumble recoveries for TDs. Fresno State has a great offense, but the defense is only a little better than SMU's allowing 22.3 ppg. The Bulldogs are 1-4 ATS in their last five bowl games, while the SMU Mustangs are 5-1 ATS in their last six against the Mountain West, so grab the big dog in this evenly matched game. Play SMU.