In the biggest stage for the program in over two decades, the SMU Mustangs are +20 road underdogs to the undefeated Houston Cougars.
The program has grown by leaps and bounds under fourth-year head coach June Jones, including making their first bowl game since the 1980's, but defeating Houston would be the biggest accomplishment for Jones yet in Dallas.
After Boise State's shocking loss to TCU last weekend, the 10-0 Cougars are in line for a BCS berth, while QB Case Keenum has an outside chance at being the first player from a non-BCS conference to win a Heisman Trophy since 1990.
Stopping Keenum will be the Mustangs first priority, but they have given up an average of 42 points in their other games against high-flying passing attacks (Texas A&M and Tulsa) this year. Even worse, RB Zach Line, their leading rusher, is out for the season with a toe injury.
Line's injury puts the offense in the hands of senior QB J.J. McDermott, whose completed 59.5% of his passes in Jones' spread attack while throwing for 2,764 yards, 14 TD's and 13 INT's.
Houston's defense has not been nearly as strong as their top-rated offense, giving up 22.8 points a game, 41rst in the country.
And with both QB's likely to have upwards of 30 passing attempts, the over/under for Saturday's game is 75 points.
The game will be televised regionally on Fox Sports Net at 2:30 PM.