I think SMC has a better chance of getting under your skin than Pepperdine does. (Even considering the Ross-factor, I think.)
I think it can only work in our favor to let the Zags deal with them. Maybe Bennett finds a way to keep it close & make them sweat a bit.
Probably not — but I think they have a better shot of taxing the Zags (or us) than would Pepperdine.