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College football bowl games: Ranking every 2019-2020 bowl team

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Trevor Lawrence, Clemson Tigers. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Trevor Lawrence, Clemson Tigers. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 12: Kenneth Gainwell #19 of the Memphis Tigers runs the ball against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field on October 12, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

30. SMU Mustangs, 84.34

  • Roster Strength: 85.73 (75)
  • Team Performance: 85.27 (24)
  • Head Coach Rating: 82.89 (46)

Few teams had as much success with the transfer portal as SMU in 2019. The Mustangs plucked nearly a dozen immediate impact transfers, including quarterback Shane Buechele from Texas. Buechele stepped in to lead the AAC in passing offense (302.2 yards per game) and touchdown passes, combining with electric wideouts James Proche, Reggie Roberson and C.J. Sanders, and highly productive running back Xavier Jones to average nearly 500 total yards per game and 6.24 yards per play.

Roberson missed several games due to injury and is questionable to return this year, but the rest will likely take the field against FAU in the Boca Raton Bowl.

29. Memphis Tigers, 84.53

  • Roster Strength: 85.02 (33)
  • Team Performance: 87.89 (15)
  • Head Coach* Rating: 75.00 (112)

Memphis head coach Mike Norvell accepted the job at Florida State and was introduced to the media hours after he led the Tigers to a win over Cincinnati in the AAC Championship Game. At first, it was unclear whether or not Norvell will be on the sidelines for Memphis in the Cotton Bowl, but Ryan Silverfield was named interim head coach Sunday, so Norvell’s 84.05 Head Coach rating was replaced with Silverfield’s generic 75.00 in the formula instead. As a result, Memphis fell from No. 17 to No. 29 in our power rankings.

But don’t count Memphis out against Penn State. Running back Kenneth Gainwell has been one of the best players in the country this season and has gained 1,425 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns despite beginning the season as the backup to Patrick Taylor, Jr. Taylor, who missed eight games due to injury, is back in action alongside Gainwell, quarterback Brady White, receiver Damonte Coxie and do-everything playmaker Antonio Gibson, among others, in one of the most exciting offenses in the country.

*Interim Head Coach Ryan Silverfield

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