Mustang One touched down at LUV just after 1300 CST. Just waiting at SMU for the luggage to arrive, and then we're all on our way home. The folks who left Hawaii in shorts and t-shirts are, needless to say, a little cold. The temp in Dallas right now is 37F.

Getting to go on this trip has been a blast. Coach Jones and the team were ready to win from moment one, and they gave us a historic win. It's a game changer for SMU's football program, and as Athletic Director Steve Orsini says, there really is life after death. I'll always remember getting to witness it firsthand.

I hope you've enjoyed the updates. It's been fun keeping the hundreds of you who are following the blog in the loop. I'll leave you with these photos as a Christmas gift - the trophy being carried off the plane in Dallas. Wonder which one we'll win next year?

Merry Christmas.

We've loved Hawaii, but we're ready to get home. Too bad our plane got stuck in some bad weather and delayed us three hours. But it isn't all that bad. We've made ourselves at home here at Honolulu international. And our favorite tv show was on - the Aloha Bowl replay.

After the trophy presentation, the team walked over to the band and everyone sang Varsity. The shot with poor lighting is the crowd waiting by the buses for the team.

Here's a few shots from the end of the game and the trophy presentation.

Peruna had four different outfits for the game, all made by my fellow SMU staff member and chief of the Dedman Center, Judith Banes. Here's a look.

Christmas came early for the Mustangs! An awesome win for an awesome team. More to come, but I need more battery. So, for now, GO MUSTANGS!

Here's a few shots from halftime of President Turner with the band and Peruna, and Rudy Ruettiger stopped by to see the band too. Rudy! Rudy! Rudy! ...

The Mustangs are looking great at the half, and it's getting crazy in the SMU section. 25 years since our last bowl appearance and the rain has literally moved into Aloha Stadium - the drought is officially over.

14-0 and 6:12 to go in the 1st. Just heard a team mom sum it up best: "These boys came to play!"