Bryan McCann News

SMU coach June Jones didn't downplay it. When the Mustangs opened bowl practice for today's Sheraton Hawaii Bowl against Nevada, he set the scene for the players like this: "You have to understand something.

SMU coach June Jones said his Mustangs have reported to practice and meetings this week focused, even in an enticing land of poolside bikini fashion shows and buzzing nightlife.

SMU has essentially locked up a bowl berth in Hawaii, but the Mustangs are focused on getting to win No.

SMU at Marshall 4:30 p.m., Joan C. Edwards Stadium , Huntington TV: none. Line: Marshall by 3. Series: Tied 1-1. Last game: SMU 31, Marshall 21, Oct.

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

Big news from the Hilltop! SMU is all alone in first place in the Conference-USA West division standings and bowl-eligible for the first time in three years, thanks to Saturday's 35-31 victory over UTEP.

The Mustangs celebrate their 31-28 defeat of the Rice Owls last Saturday at Ford Stadium hoisting the Mayors' Cup overhead.

Athletic director Steve Orsini, clad in his standard red blazer, slapped backs and hugged with zeal.

One of the nicknames being tossed out for 6-8 kick-blocking machine Margus Hunt is "The Terminator." JOHN F. RHODES/DMN Bryan McCann is held aloft by Mustangs teammate Aaron Davis after his 74-yard touchdown return, the result of a blocked field goal attempt by Sterling Moore .

Shawnbrey McNeal rushed for 88 yards and two touchdowns to lift SMU to a 31-28 win over Rice Saturday afternoon.

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

For proof that it's not the same ol' story with SMU this season, just look at the defense.

SMU's defense has developed a knack for scoring. Cornerback Sterling Moore picked up a fumble by Navy and returned it a yard for a touchdown in the second quarter to give SMU a 21-7 lead.

SMU safety Chris Banjo describes the Mustangs' defensive mentality this season like this: It's not over until the other team scores.

Only minutes after SMU's 28-21 win over East Carolina on Saturday, linebacker Chase Kennemer and cornerback Bryan McCann found themselves talking about late special teams coach Frank Gansz.

Freshman at Southern Methodist University wins C- USA weekly award Margus Hunt DALLAS - SMU freshman defensive back Margus Hunt was named the Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week Monday.

For the first couple of games of SMU's season, defensive end Margus Hunt grew frustrated with spending too much time on the sidelines, towering over the other Mustangs with his 6-8, 267-pound, gladiator-like frame, watching.

Bo Levi Mitchell completed 17 of 29 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns to lead Southern Methodist to a 28-21 win over East Carolina on Saturday.

Three big questions hovered over the SFA Lumberjacks entering their season opener with SMU.

The Mustangs brewed up a 4th quarter comeback against Stephen F. Austin last Saturday night.