Bo Levi Mitchell News

Two coaches who have some history against each other and two programs who pretty recently battled in the same conference will square off in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl on Dec.

So this is different, to say the least. SMU enters its final regular-season game today against struggling Tulane knowing it's going bowling no matter what happens on the field.

Brian Anderson threw two second-half touchdown passes to freshman Aaron Dobson to lead Marshall to a 34-31 win over SMU on Saturday, making the Thundering Herd bowl-eligible for the first time under fifth-year coach Mark Snyder while damaging the Mustangs' title chances.

The Mustangs reached their goal of six wins last week over UTEP. They are bowl eligible, but that doesn't mean their work is done.

The story has made the rounds about a referee who planned to announce that Southern Methodist had just taken a timeout, but instead told the crowd, "Timeout, Hawaii ." That would have been a humorous but understandable slip.

SMU freshman quarterback Kyle Padron kidded that he used to beg family members to attend his games - they certainly didn't expect him, then the third-stringer, to play.

SMU defensive end Margus Hunt blocks a field goal attempt Saturday against UTEP.

June Jones always has had an unconventional football mind, but when he left Hawaii for SMU last season, he looked downright crazy.

On the scale of Texas tall tales, Margus Hunt's story rates as the most outlandish since Hakeem Olajuwon curled out of a cab in front of the University of Houston nearly 30 years ago.

Series Record: SMU leads 9-7. Last meeting: 2008, UTEP 36-10. SMU is one victory away from becoming bowl eligible.

Looking to continue on their path to their first bowl appearance since 1984, the SMU Mustangs host the winless Rice Owls this weekend as part of the Hilltop's Homecoming festivities.

One of the nicknames being tossed out for 6-8 kick-blocking machine Margus Hunt is "The Terminator." His last name, in his native Estonia, translates to "Wolf." Call him whatever, but when the opponent is lining up for a kick, keep an eye on him powering toward the ball from the middle.

Sure, SMU is buzzing about potential bowls, its first-place tie with Houston in Conference USA's West division and freshman quarterback Kyle Padron.

SMU coach June Jones didn't pronounce the Mustangs' 27-13 road win Saturday at Tulsa the most significant in his tenure - so far - when given the chance.

SMU's Emmanuel Sanders hopes to celebrate at least three wins in the team's final four games.

The Mustangs canceled their scheduled morning practice Thursday because of predicted storms and then bused out to use Rockwall ISD's indoor facility in the afternoon.

Tulsa has been a power in Conference USA since joining the league in 2005, playing for three league championships in four seasons.

Scouting the Mustangs: Tulsa is preparing for three quarterbacks for Saturday's 1 p.m. homecoming contest against SMU.

Line: Tulsa by 15 1/2. Series Record: SMU leads 10-6. Last meeting: 2008, Tulsa 37-31. SMU and Tulsa enter the game part of a four-way tie atop the Conference USA West standings.

Senior, wide receiver SMU's career receiving leader with 246 catches, 3,080 yards and 29 touchdowns.