Why SMU Will Win The Wasabi Fenway Bowl
Here comes the SMU offense.
It’s a balanced attack with a good rotation of backs and a high-powered passing game. QB Tanner Mordecai threw for over 3,600 yards with 39 touchdowns for the American Athletic Conference’s best offense.
The offensive line was excellent in pass protection, the explosion was there, and the there should be enough versatility to counterpunch against whatever Virginia is bringing defensively.
Yeah, the Virginia defense – it’s not good.
There wasn’t any pass rush, the defensive front got gouged against the run, and the overall it was the second-worst D in the ACC.
The Cavaliers were destroyed by the Virginia Tech and BYU running games, allowed 300 passing yards or more in three of the last five games, and they’re about to give up big play after big play.
However …
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Why Virginia Will Win The Wasabi Fenway Bowl
Yeah, the SMU defense isn’t anything special either.
The Mustangs not only struggled throughout the year – allowing 415 yards and 28 points per game – but they had their problems against a whole slew of mediocre teams.
They were able to hold down the one-dimensional Navy offense, but just about everyone else was able to move the ball however they wanted.
Virginia will want to get things going through the air.
After the program settled on Clemson wide receiver coach Tony Elliott to take over the head coaching gig after Bronco Mendenhall finishes up, QB Brennan Armstrong made the decision not to transfer.
The lefty led the ACC in passing yards by a mile, averaging 405 yards per game – Pitt’s Kenny Pickett averaged 332 – with 31 touchdown passes. However, he missed time banged up – this rest before the game should do wonders.
And then there’s the other issue SMU will have to deal with …