Hawaii Bowl 2012 Odds: Mustangs 12-point underdog to Fresno State

After becoming bowl eligible with a win in their regular season finale over the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, the SMU Mustangs have been installed as a 12-point underdog against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.

Southern Methodist will have plenty of time to get ready for the game on Christmas Eve in Honolulu against one of the surprising teams in the FBS this year. Fresno State went 9-3 on the season and only lost one Mountain West Conference game to the Boise State Broncos. The Mustangs and Bulldogs do share a common opponent: SMU's last one of the season. The Bulldogs lost to Tulsa 27-26 way back in late September. Fresno State finished the season on a five-game winning streak, never putting up less than 42 points in a game.

The Mustangs will have their work cut out for them on defense, as Fresno State ranks 12th in passing yards per game and points per game in the FBS. The Hawaii Bowl will be broadcast on Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN.