Nevada vs. SMU December 24th 8:00 ET ESPN Hawaii Bowl
The Nevada Wolf Pack brings the nation’s best rushing attack to Hawaii led by QB Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick is a skilled athlete capable of busting a long run every time he touches the ball. Colin ran for 1,160 yards and 16 scores and threw for 1,875 yards and 19 touchdowns in the 09 regular season. RB Vai Taua ran for 1,345 yards and Luke Lippincott ran for 1,034 yards to give Nevada a triple threat from the backfield. Nevada struggled early but reeled off eight victories in a row before finishing the season with a tough loss to WAC powerhouse Boise State.
SMU has had one of the biggest turnarounds of the 2009 season. What Head Coach June Jones has accomplished with the Mustangs is simply miraculous. Jones’ team entered the 2009 season losing 21 of their last 22 including a 1-11 mark in 2008. The 2009 Mustangs finished with a 7-5 mark behind a wide open offense. However, SMU is led by RB Shawnbrey McNeal. The Miami transfer ran for 1,125 yards and ten scores. Expectations were high for QB Bo Levi Mitchell but he sustained an injury in October which forced freshmen Kyle Padron under center. Padron played well throwing for 1,462 yards and eight scores in six games.
Prediction: This game should be a high scoring affair with explosive offenses and suspect defenses. The key for SMU will be to get out to an early lead which would force Nevada to throw the ball. SMU WR Emmanuel Sanders will have a huge day as will McNeal on the ground. They will score early and often but will not be able to control the Wolf Pack running game. Kaepernick will be the star of the game making plays with both his feet and his arm. Nevada will run for well over 300 yards and gain the victory in a very entertaining contest. Nevada 52 SMU 37
By: Scott Dryden
DFN Sports Senior Staff Writer