SMU wide receiver Darius Johnson

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Five keys for SMU in the Compass Bowl

In order to beat Pitt in Saturday's Compass Bowl, SMU cannot turn the ball over, J.J. McDermott must play like he did in his first five games as a starter, Rishaad Wimbley will be key, Chase Hover will have to kick like he did pre-mono and the team will have to rise above all the coaching madness that occurred during the bowl break.

1. SMU cannot turn the ball over against Pitt. Ranked dead last in the nation with a minus-17 turnover margin, the Mustangs have got to hold grip. They've had 31 giveaways and it doesn't matter how good or bad the opponent is. It's hard for teams to win when they cough the ball up. 2. Speaking of turnovers, quarterback J.J. McDermott has had five weeks to shake off his last six games in which he... Recommended Stories