STORYLINES
SMU had played in a bowl game in four consecutive years between 2009-12, but have gone back-to-back years without reaching the postseason.
First-year head coach Chad Morris, a native of Dallas, returns to his hometown after a highly successful stint as Clemson's offensive coordinator. Morris amassed a 169-38 record as a high school coach in the state of Texas.
SMU's nonconference schedule includes two games against teams ranked in the top seven of last year's final poll (No. 3 TCU, No. 7 Baylor).
SMU's first six games of the season are in the state of Texas.