DALLAS (AP) — SMU coach June Jones -- known for reviving Hawaii's football program -- this season laid out a plan for the Mustangs to play in their first bowl game since 1984. And SMU hasn't veered off course.
With three games left, they need one more victory to become bowl eligible.
SMU beat Rice 31-28 on Saturday to improve to 4-1 in Conference USA, the school's best mark since 1986. The Mustangs have two games left at home against below .500 teams, including tomorrow's matchup against UTEP.
The program that produced greats like Doak Walker, Don Meredith and Eric Dickerson fell into oblivion after the NCAA handed SMU the death penalty in 1987 for paying players and violating numerous rules.
SMU had opportunities to break its postseason slump in 1997 and 2006, but the Mustangs fell short by losing the final game each season.
