BBVA Compass Bowl Preview: SMU vs Pitt

Pittsburgh Panthers (6-6 overall, 4-3 in Big East Conference)

Most impressive victory: 21-14 at Louisville (Nov. 12)

Worst loss: 34-10 at Rutgers (Oct. 8)

Notable alumni: Mark Cuban, Mike Ditka, Tiny Dorsett, Larry Fitzgerald, Gene Kelly, Dan Marino, Mark May, Marty Schottenheimer, and Glen Scobey “Pop” Warner

The Panthers lost their head coach of one season, Todd Graham, to Arizona State Dec. 13, 2011. He had served in the role only since January 2011. His departure was heavily criticized because he informed the Pitt players of his decision through a group text message. Curiously, SMU head coach June Jones had been rumored earlier as the next Arizona State coach, replacing Dennis Erickson.

The offense is ranked 4^th overall and 5^th in rushing. Coach Chip Kelly has a few standard formations from which he runs a variety of plays. His zone read scheme is one of the best in the NCAA, and he’s not opposed to pulling out all the stops on offense. Though Pitt has subsequently hired Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst to be its next head coach, the Panthers have prepared for the bowl game by interim head coach and defensive coordinator Keith Patterson who will be on the sidelines in Birmingham.

The Panthers are aiming for a third consecutive bowl victory, having beaten Kentucky 27-10 in this same venue last under interim coach Phil Bennett. Chryst will have dubious distinction of being the team’s fifth head coach in 13 months. Bennett replaced Dave Wannstedt who was fired at the end of last season. Mike Haywood, hired as a permanent replacement to Wannstedt, was fired less than three weeks later after being arrested for domestic violence.

If the Panthers can focus on the game rather than their revolving door of coaches, they could offer SMU a decent contest. Pitt has relied on the run this season, but their top tailback, junior Ray Graham 958 yards, 9 TDs), was lost for the season in a 35-20 victory over UConn Nov. 20. Senior Zach Brown (336 yards, 5 TDs) is the next man up, but has a bruised sternum and is questionable. Freshmen Isaac Bennett (215 yards, 2 TDs) and/or Corey Davis (27 yards, 13 carries) may be forced into action.

Pitt QB Tino Sunseri has passed for 2,433 yards, 10 TDs and 10 INTs this season. The junior has also been sacked 54 times! When he stays on his feet, Sunseri mainly throws to sophomore WR Devin Street (692 yards, 2 TDs) and junior Mike Shanahan (447 yards, 4 TDs). Junior TE Hubie Graham could also be a factor with 307 receiving yards and three TDs.

Pitt’s is ranked 39^th overall and 21^st against the run. That said, they have a decent pass rush that makes opponents play to the Panthers’ defensive strengths. Junior Jarred Holley is the player to watch in the backfield.

The teams are opposing each other for the first time since a 7-3 SMU victory in the 1983 Cotton Bowl. The all-time series is tied at 2-2-1.

Southern Methodist Mustangs (7-5 overall, 5-3 in Conference USA)

Most impressive victory: 40-33 at TCU (Oct. 1)

Worst loss: 46-14 at Texas A&M (Sept. 4)

Notable alumni: Laura Bush, Eric Dickerson, Lamar Hunt, Jim Irsay, Craig James, Don Meredith, Payne Stewart and Doak Walker

SMU Coach June Jones will be vying for his 100^th collegiate head coaching victory in at a familiar venue: historic Legion Field (1927) in Birmingham, home his Mustangs C-USA rival the UAB Blazers. His team is playing its third consecutive bowl game and fourteenth overall. The Mustangs lost 16-14 to Army in their last appearance, the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 30, 2010.

SMU dropped four of its last six games including blowouts by conference powers Southern Miss (27-3) and Houston (37-7).  The Mustangs have averaged on 26 points per game, while giving up 25 points on average to their opponents.

Senior QB J.J. McDermott, a transfer from New Mexico State, has piloted the offense, throwing for 3,182 yards, 16 TDs and 16 INTs. His leading receiver is junior Darius Johnson who has collected 998 yards and seven TDs. Senior WR Cole Beasely has 954 yards and two TDs, and fellow senior Terrance Wilkerson has 545 yards and two TDs as well. Freshman Der’rikk Thompson has only 394 yards but has found paydirt three times.

The Mustang rushing attack was led by Zach Line. The junior RB racked up 17 TDs and 1,224 yards, but had season ending surgery in mid-November. SMU will depend on freshmen Rishaad Wimbley and Jared Williams to carry the ball Wimbley saw limited action behind Line during the season but rushed for 115 and two TDs in the season finale, a 27-24 win over Rice. Williams has gained 150 yards on the season and scored one TD.

SMU ranks 37^th nationally in total defense giving up an average of 351 yards to their opponents per game.  Junior linebacker Taylor Reed is the top tackler for the Mustangs with 93.

The Mustangs started 5-1 but faltered toward the end of the season. Without the leading rusher they’ll need to rely on the passing game. Though throwing is integral to the June Jones game plan, too much dependence on the air game can lead to turnovers.

The Pick:

Big East has fared well during the bowl season (3-1) and has won this particular game (BBVA Compass Bowl/PapaJohns.com Bowl) each of the five times it has participated. Pittsburgh has two opponents to conquer in this game though: SMU, and the spirits of coaches past. The players have been outspoken in criticism of Todd Graham and his method of departure, suggesting their attention is elsewhere and their emotions are not in check.

SMU has seemed distracted over the second half of the season, but they should be better focused than Pitt. If they can establish the run to the degree the safeties have to cheat in, they should be able to pick up enough passing gains to stay in front.

Neither team is firing on all cylinders, but the Mustangs should be able keep to their game plan for a win.

SMU 27, Pittsburgh 23