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

2. Turnovers can be contagious

SMU running back Xavier Jones started the game with a fumble on the Mustangs’ first offensive play. That would serve as a bad omen of what can only be described as a night to forget for the SMU offense.

SMU entered the game with one of the best turnover margins in the nation. They had forced 23 turnovers this season and turned the ball over 13 times themselves. Quarterback Ben Hicks had been a bright spot for this elite offensive team, cranking out 32 touchdown passes with nine interceptions.

Hicks was not a bright spot on Wednesday night at Toyota stadium. The sophomore passer seemed unprepared for the pressure of leading the team on his own. Hicks threw three interceptions in the first 20 minutes of game time including two pick-sixes. He fumbled the football as well, but it was recovered by the Mustangs.

Those four early turnovers put SMU down 28-3 with 11 minutes remaining in the second quarter. It was the worst start that new head coach Sonny Dykes could have imagined and he was there to see it first hand. SMU would end the night with six turnovers, a season high.