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Hawai'i Bowl 2012 picks and predictions

The SMU Mustangs seem to be cannon fodder for Fresno State, according most of the experts, at least.

Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE

SMU will take on Fresno State in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl on Monday, although the Mustangs are not being given much of a chance against the Bulldogs.

The Mustangs (6-6) finished with a 5-3 record in conference play by beating Tulsa in the final week of the season. Earning a bid against Fresno State, featuring one of the nation's top-rated passing attacks, the Mustangs have pulled an opponent that most are expecting to dominate in Hawai'i.

Mark Schlabach of ESPN picks the Bulldogs in a rout, stating:

Check out one of the country's most underrated quarterbacks on Christmas Eve. Fresno State's Derek Carr, the younger brother of former NFL starter David Carr, threw for 3,742 yards with 36 touchdowns and only five interceptions in 457 attempts.

All six experts at CBS Sports pick the Bulldogs straight up, with five picking Boise State to cover the 11.5 point spread. The Sporting News is also on the side of Boise State, stating the Mustangs won't be able to contain Carr.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT, with coverage on ESPN.

Photographs by jamesbrandon, jdtornow, phlezk, flygraphix, mcdlttx, tomasland, and literalbarrage used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.