SMU at Virginia 12/29/21 - Wasabi Fenway Bowl Picks & Predictions

The Wassabi Fenway Bowl in Boston, MA will host a matchup between the SMU Mustangs and the Virginia Cavaliers. SMU comes into bowl season struggling 8-4 overall after losing four of the final five games of the year including two in a row following a 3 point loss to Tulsa. Defensively SMU was obliterated against Tulsa giving up 374 total yards of offense and 34 points leading to the loss.

Despite a bad defensive game, the SMU offense compiled 405 yards to score 31 points in the game including 14 in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Tanner Mordecai completed 26 of 46 passes for 298 yards and one score but threw two interceptions to post a 49.0 QBR. Roderick Daniels Jr. was the primary target in the SMU passing attack with 96 yards and one touchdown on three catches.

The Virginia Cavaliers limp into bowl season 6-6 on the year riding a four game losing streak after a five point loss to rival Virginia Tech. Virginia had a strong offensive game against Virginia Tech with 490 yards of total offense to score 24 points but Virginia turned the ball over twice and had a safety leading to the loss.

Quarterback Brennan Armstrong led the way for the Virginia offense completing 30 or 46 passes for 400 yards and one touchdown, while adding 12 yards and two scores on 8 carries. Billy Kemp IV led the way for the Virginia receiving core with 102 yards on eight catches and Jelani Woods added seven catches for 64 yards and one touchdown.