Jan. 2, 2008

EL PASO (SMU) - SMU standout Ben Poynter will play in the second-annual Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Bowl on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008. The game, which pits top collegiate seniors from Texas against top seniors from around the nation, will be held at Sun Bowl Stadium.

Poynter was a fixture on the SMU offensive line during his career, starting 39 straight games to wrap up his career on the Hilltop. In 2006, Poynter was a second-team All-Conference USA selection and was a member of the Rimington Trophy Watch List. He was also a two-time winner of the Charles H. Trigg Blocking Award, which recognizes SMU's top lineman on the season.

Poynter and his Texas teammates will play for legendary coach Gene Stallings, while former Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears coach Buddy Ryan will lead Team Nation. Last year, Ryan led Team Nation to a 24-20 victory over Team Texas.

The 2008 Texas vs. the Nation game will kick-off at 3 p.m. CST and will be nationally televised on CSTV network.