which team can stop the run. Also, which team can get pressure on the QB.

Both teams had issues stopping the run last season. BYU gave up on average close to 200 yards a game in conference play. SMU gave up on average over 200 yards against the three P4 teams they played last season and lost all three.

SMU brought in eight P4 D-linemen from the transfer portal and dished out a bunch on NIL to land them. Half of the players were rotational players and some further down the depth chart from schools like Texas, Miami, Arkansas etc.

BYU decided to keep the depth players they had last season and also bring in a couple developmental players that they believe fit there system well and can make an impact through proper coaching and development.

In the current climate of college football in regard to NIL, it's going to be interesting which approach pays off. SMU's approach to spend a bunch in the transfer portal to bring in talent or BYU's old school approach to develop the less talented players into P4 talent.