Army @ Southern Methodist preview

The Skinny: Two programs that are trying to recapture the magic from their glory years are meeting in the Armed Forces Bowl this season.

In just three seasons, June Jones has revived the SMU program after it endured a 25-year bowl drought after the “death penalty” in 1986. And the Mustangs (7-6) get to stay at home for this bowl game, as the game will be played on their campus. TCU’s stadium, which usually hosts the game, is currently undergoing renovations. SMU will need a big game from running back Zach Line, who led Conference USA in rushing.

Army (6-6), which won two national titles in the 1940s, is making its first bowl appearance since 1996. The Black Knights hope the Mustangs aren’t used to seeing a triple-option team, and will ride quarterback Trent Steelman and running back Jared Hassin as much as they can.

Point spread: SMU -8. Over/under — 52.

SMU’s Edge: The Mustangs continue to make strides under Jones, a veteran coach with bowl game experience. SMU also has a versatile offense led by quarterback Kyle Padron, running back Zach Line and wide receiver Aldrick Robinson.

Army’s Edge: Despite losing three of their past four games, the Black Knights have the ability to catch defenses off guard with their triple-option attack. Army has a dynamic duo on offense, too, with Steelman and Hassin leading the way.

The Quarterbacks: SMU’s Padron has had an inconsistent season, throwing multiple interceptions in four of his 13 games. But he’s also thrown for more than 3,500 yards, and added 254 rushing yards.

For the season, Army’s Steelman has rushed for 620 yards and 11 touchdowns, and thrown for 837 yards and five touchdowns.

NFL prospects: SMU – WR Aldrick Robinson. Army – DT Michael Gann; OLB Joshua McNary.

Bowl history: SMU is 5-6-1 all-time in bowl games, including winning last year’s Hawaii Bowl. The Mustangs are in back-to-back bowl games for the first time since the early 1980s, when they went to four bowl games over a five-year stretch from 1980-84.

Army is 2-2 all-time in bowl games, and is in its first since 1996. The last time the Black Knights won a bowl game was 1985, when they held on for a 31-29 victory over Illinois in the Peach Bowl.

Etc.: The Armed Forces Bowl has already announced a sellout for the game. … Army has played one bowl game in the state of Texas, the 1988 Sun Bowl where the Black Knights fell to Alabama, 29-28. … All three service academies are playing in bowl games this year. … Army and SMU have met twice before, with Army winning both games.