It seems as if it is almost becoming a common occurrence to see Florida Atlantic in a bowl game. Both teams had years to remember. The resurgence of the Mustangs is always a great thing for college football. Now that the Lane Kiffin train has left the station, I might find it hard to believe that the Boca Raton school will keep up the way that they have the past few years under the highly hyped coach.

How They Got Here: SMU

After going 8-0 for the first time in YEARS, the Mustangs just didn’t look the same after losing their first game of the year when they went and lost to Memphis. They ended up winning two of their last four games of the regular season. Losing to Memphis and then @ Navy, they had lost their chance of playing in the AAC championship game.

How They Got Here: FAU

After losing their first two games of the season to then ranked #5 Ohio State and then #18 UCF the Owls caught fire and won 10 of their last 11 games, including the Conference USA title against Student Union favorite UAB. Chris Robinson had himself a year to get the then Lane Kiffin led team to where they are now.

Players to Watch: SMU

Texas transfer Shane Buechele has made a home at Southern Methodist. Having passed for over 3,600 yards and rushing the rock for another 100. He went for 33 touchdowns, which was by far and away more than he ever had while at Texas. It has been very interesting to see how the change of scenery has effected him, and to say the least it has been a HUGE help for him.

Players to Watch: FAU

For the Owls, this season has been the Harrison Bryant show. He has gone for just a hair over 1,000 yards (1,004 to be exact.) He may have only had 7 touchdowns, but it was evident that they relied very heavily on their tight end to step up and make plays when they needed him to, whether it was blocking, catching, or making an impact in the receiving game.

Gambling Picks (SMU -3.5, O/U 68.5)

With this game, it feels very wrong to choose against SMU with the loss of Lane Kiffin. I see the Mustangs covering the 3.5 point spread. The Over/Under again is extremely high for another game that I’m previewing. Though the teams both average 35 (FAU) and 43 (SMU) points a game respectively, that is a TON of points for teams that are competing trying to keep the momentum into the summer recruiting trail. Gimme the over!