In today's Startlegram

[GrapevineMustang]

Mustangs are looking to make special adjustments
By Darryl Richards
Special to the Star-Telegram


DALLAS - SMU coach Phil Bennett is looking for a few good men on special teams after a disappointing performance against Baylor last week cost the Mustangs a chance at a rare September victory.

Special-teams play will be a point of emphasis as the Mustangs (0-2) prepare for Oklahoma State (2-1) this week. SMU learned a tough lesson when two miscues set up Baylor's scores in Saturday's 10-7 loss in Waco. Baylor recovered a muffed punt by Chris Cunningham to set up a field goal, and the Bears scored the winning touchdown after a 22-yard punt return. Baylor also blocked a Ryan Mentzel punt in the second quarter.

In a game that was almost even statistically, special teams proved to be the big difference. Baylor needed only 24 yards offense for its two scores.

Bennett, like many coaches, prefers to have many of his best players on special teams. But the Mustangs are young and don't have a lot of depth, causing Bennett to believe that some players might be on the field too long.

"The guys let down on special teams last week," Bennett said. "It's an attitude. We're going to look at getting people on the field who want to do it. There are guys with experience who are not doing the job. Fatigue may be a factor."

Bennett also said he expects Mentzel to play despite injuring a thumb against Baylor.


Airing it out

The Mustangs are having problems with their passing game for the second consecutive season. Sophomore Richard Bartel has completed 47.8 percent of his passes this season and struggled to find open receivers in the Baylor game.

But it's not all Bartel's fault. The Mustangs dropped two passes that could have been big plays in the game. The inconsistent passing game has allowed teams to load up and limit SMU's ability to run up the middle.

"The key is execution," Phil Bennett said. "There were big plays possible. It's just a combination of things. The good thing is it hasn't been pressure forcing bad throws, so everything is correctable. Passing the ball requires a certain rhythm."

Ideally, SMU would like to pass 45 percent of the time, and with opponents crowding the line of scrimmage and playing the run, the Mustangs should continue to have opportunities to throw the ball.


Taking off the redshirt

Phil Bennett said he is leaning toward playing true freshman Richuel Massey against Oklahoma State to give the Mustangs some speed and depth at tailback.

Massey has been impressive against SMU's scout teams and broke two runs for touchdowns in practice last week. He was considered one of the top running backs in the state last year while at Hillsboro.

SMU has played six true freshmen this season.


Kickoff change

Kickoff time for Saturday's home opener against Oklahoma State has been moved to 6 p.m. at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. The one-hour change was made to accommodate television coverage by Fox Sports Net.


LeVias to be honored

Jerry LeVias, the first African-American to play football at SMU and receive a football scholarship at a Southwest Conference school, will he honored at halftime Saturday. LeVias will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December.

[DallasDiehard]

The great Darryl Richards has surfaced! I remember when he covered the Ponies for the DMN - he's a great writer. Hopefully we'll get more from him.