(Michael Danser/The Daily Campus)

Quarterbacks

Garrett gilbert vs Brady Attaway

 In Garrett Gilbert’s first game as the Mustangs starter, he was inconsistent but showed flashes that he will live up to the expectations Mustangs fans have for the former Gatorade Player of the Year. Gilbert hit a few big plays and spread the ball around the field pretty well, hitting seven different receivers. He had a few miscues, making a few errant throws and throwing a pass behind Derek Thompson that resulted in an interception. Gilbert did not look spectacular by any means, but after playing in his first game in almost a year, Gilbert still has plenty of games to step up for the Mustangs.

Stephen F. Austin [SFA] quarterback Brady Attaway performed extremely well in the Lumberjacks season opener against Southwestern Oklahoma that resulted in him being named the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week. Attaway completed 21 passes for 354 yards and three touchdowns. The junior quarterback is a solid starter, who is surrounded by great playmakers at SFA.

EDGE: SMU

There is a difference in FBS quarterbacks and FCS quarterbacks. Gilbert has the talent to lead the Mustangs to a big day anytime he steps on the field.

Running backs

Zach Line vs. Gus Johnson

Senior running back Zach Line performed against Baylor just as Mustangs expected him to.

Line rushed for 135 yards on 25 carries, which resulted in Line averaging over five yards a carry. Line did not score a touchdown, but that was due in part to red zone problems that plagued the Mustangs last week.

Expect a similar performance from Line this week, but with some touchdowns. Last year was the last time Line faced an FCS opponent, Line scored five times against Northwestern State.

After being a backup last year, sophomore Gus Johnson broke out for SFA last week in their season opener with 107 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns.

Johnson’s 10 plus yards per carry was impressive, even against an overmatched opponent. The Lumberjacks have a balanced attack that produced over 500 yards of offense in their opener.

Edge: SMU

Zach Line ranked seventh nationally in rushing last year with 122 yards per game. Line just rushed for 135. If Line improves off of his 2011 campaign, that is just scary.

Wide Receivers

Darius Johnson vs. Cordell Roberson

SMU senior receiver Darius Johnson had a ho-hum game against Baylor with nine receptions, averaging six yards a catch. SMU’s offense is at its best when Johnson is explosive and the Biletnikoff Award Watch List receiver needs to regain his 2011 form fast. Johnson dropped a pass on the goal line last week that resulted in an interception and then fumbled later in the game, which resulted in a touchdown. He did not return to the game apparently suffering from concussion symptoms.

Cordell Roberson is a big-play threat and one of the key cogs in the offense for the Lumberjacks. As a sophomore, Roberson was a second-team FCS Sports Network All-American after hauling in 16 touchdowns. Roberson regressed a little in 2011, but still managed to be named First-Team All-Southland Conference after 63 catches for 794 yards.

Edge: SMU

While Darius had a rough opener, he has performed in some of SMU’s biggest games. Roberson isn’t far behind in talent, but Johnson’s speed will be deadly against the SFA defense.

Defensive Ends

Margus Hunt vs Willie Jefferson

Margus Hunt has become a legend on SMU’s campus for his ability to swat field goals as well as his 6 feet 8 inch frame, but in the opener against Baylor, Hunt was manhandled. Hunt had two tackles, zero sacks and not one big play for the Mustangs defense that so desperately needed one. Hunt will need to perform like he did against Pittsburgh in the BBVA Compass Bowl this season if the Mustangs defense is to be successful. Hunt has the talent, but will need to play more physical and more aggressive to really shine.

A 6-6, 234 pound defensive end, Willie Jefferson, is a scary threat for the Lumberjacks defense. Jefferson racked up 15 sacks in his first year playing for the Lumberjacks after transferring from Baylor. Jefferson also scored two touchdowns off of interceptions and even returned one the length of the field for a touchdown. The NFL could come calling for Jefferson if he, like Hunt, polishes his craft a little more, but this senior defensive end could easily cause problems for the Mustangs.

Edge: SFA

Jefferson is a freak of nature. Not many players transition from receiver to defensive end. While Hunt is a freak in his own right, he is still not polished as a defensive end. Jefferson’s speed will be tough for SMU to handle.