SMU Football: Sonny Dykes’ team dismantled in DXL Frisco Bowl

SMU football, under the direction of new coach Sonny Dykes, was mercilessly obliterated by Louisiana Tech in the 2017 DXL Frisco Bowl.

More: Complete 2017-2018 bowl schedule

SMU entered the game 7-5, playing in their first bowl game since 2012. It was their first bowl trip ever as a representative of the American Conference. The Mustangs were coached by Sonny Dykes in just his ninth day on the job as the head coach at SMU. They ran into Louisiana Tech, winners of three consecutive bowl games under head coach Skip Holtz.

Louisiana Tech won in dominant fashion. The Bulldogs took advantage of an uncoordinated and erratic night by the SMU offense to build a 42-10 halftime lead and hold on to win by a final score of 51-10. Sonny Dykes’ SMU debut in the 2017 DXL Frisco Bowl was an absolute clunker. Here are three takeaways from the Louisiana Tech rout.

3. Teddy Veal is a name to know

Tulane transfer Teddy Veal led Louisiana Tech in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in 2017. In the DXL Frisco Bowl Veal went off for 118 yards on fives receptions with two touchdowns scored. This was his first multi-touchdown game of his career.

The third year player is draft eligible should he decide to go that route. He doesn’t have the track record or the recognition of Courtland Sutton, his SMU counterpart on the other side of the field. While Veal lacks the size of Sutton his movement in the open field and his speed could make him an interesting late round flier should he declare. If he does decide to return for his senior season he could be one year away from an upper-round selection.