SMU’s defense faces a Missouri State offense Saturday that has found its rhythm behind Skyler Locklear, Isaiah Myers and several explosive weapons.
SMU’s defense can’t afford to judge Missouri State solely by its 1-2 record.
The Bears arrive in Dallas Saturday night with an offense that has produced more than 500 total yards in consecutive games, including 506 in last week’s 30-24 loss to Marshall.
That makes Missouri State a legitimate test for an SMU defense trying to regroup after surrendering 41 points at Louisville.
The first player the Mustangs must account for is quarterback Skyler Locklear.
The UTEP transfer threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns against Marshall while producing a career-high 362 yards of total offense.
Locklear is completing 67.7 percent of his passes this season and leads Conference USA at 9.18 yards per attempt.
His biggest downfield threat is Isaiah Myers.
The 6-4 receiver has produced consecutive 100-yard games and exploded for seven catches, 141 yards and a touchdown last week.
Myers has 296 receiving yards through three games and is averaging an eye-opening 24.67 yards per reception.
He also has six receptions of at least 20 yards, making him the player SMU’s secondary can least afford to lose track of.
Veteran Jmariyae Robinson brings a different challenge.
Robinson has caught at least one pass in a school-record 38 consecutive games and owns 140 career receptions for 1,816 yards and 16 touchdowns.
He may not generate the same explosive numbers as Myers, but his experience and reliability give Locklear another dependable option.
The ground game features Breezy Dubar, the former Boise State back. Dubar scored against Marshall and rushed for 36 yards on eight carries, while also providing Missouri State with a physical option near the goal line.
Missouri State’s offensive line also deserves attention. The Bears rank among the national leaders in protecting the quarterback and didn’t allow a sack against Marshall.
That gives SMU a clear defensive assignment.
Pressure Locklear without surrendering scramble lanes, keep Myers from creating explosive plays and force Missouri State to string together long drives.
If the Mustangs allow the Bears to dictate tempo through the passing game, this could become a much more uncomfortable night than SMU expects.
