Freshman SMU defensive back Ryan Smith is excited. He gets to see his older brother – with whom he is very close – this weekend.

One problem: for one night, at least, his brother will be the enemy.

Bencil Smith is a starting defensive back for the Rice Owls, who host the Mustangs Friday night in the season opener for each team. Ryan Smith said the talk between the two began over the summer.

“We talk to each other every night,” Ryan said Tuesday. “He’ll tell me what to look for playing in college, but sometimes, on the sly side, he’ll try to get things out of me, like asking how our offense looks in practice. I don’t tell him anything.

“I can’t wait to see him. We talk all the time, and we’re very close, but for that night – yeah, that will be kind of strange.”

The family divide runs deeper than merely the chasm between two brothers who will play for opposite teams Friday night. Their father, Anthony, was an SMU wide receiver from 1977-80.

“It’s hard on him – it’s hard on the whole family,” Smith said. “We’ve got three sisters, and they’re taking this thing to the extreme. They’re talking about getting T-shirts made up to show their support for both of us. We’ve got a bunch of church members coming to the game, and a lot of friends and family. It’s going to be exciting.”

Smith doesn’t even know if he’ll play in the game – or this season, as the coaches have not yet decided whether or not he’ll redshirt this season. Either way, he’ll be in attendance at his first college game.

“My mom (Lavon) and dad are excited, but they’re not really sure what to do if we do well,” he said. “If I do get a chance to play, and do something well, they’re going to be standing there cheering in a group of Rice fans.”

Smith said his father supports both sons, of course, and wants them to do well Friday night, and as long as they continue playing. But deep down, Smith said he’s confident his father is on his side.

“He’s going to show support for both of us, which makes sense,” Smith said, “but he’s red and blue at heart.”