TU Opponent Watch: SMU
BY BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
11/20/12 at 3:10 AM
A closer look at the Mustangs
June Jones: After having inherited a Mustang program that hadn't been to a bowl game since 1984, the 59-year-old Jones has coached SMU to the 2010 Conference USA West Division title and three consecutive bowl appearances. If SMU prevails on Saturday, it will achieve bowl eligibility again.
Zach Line: A 6-foot-1, 230-pound senior running back from Oxford, Mich., Line has had a great career for the Mustangs. With 4,033 rushing yards, he ranks second in school history behind Eric Dickerson (4,450 in 1979-82).
Garrett Gilbert: After having struggled as a University of Texas quarterback in 2010 and 2011, Gilbert transferred to SMU. Given immediate eligibility by the NCAA, the junior from Austin has the same problem at SMU - interceptions - that plagued him at Texas. Gilbert has an equal number of TD passes and interceptions this season (13).
Mustang defense: For the first time since 1983, SMU has recorded two shutout victories in a single season (52-0 over Stephen F. Austin and 17-0 at UTEP). Against TCU, SMU limited the Horned Frogs to 156 yards of total offense. The Mustangs rank among national leaders in interceptions (18) and turnovers generated (30).
Solid again: Since the start of the 2009 season, the Mustangs are 21-10 in C-USA games and 14-1 in league games played at home.
