We are now a nationally relevant program.....

[leopold]

We just won, literally, the biggest football game at our school in two generations, and did it in blowout fashion. Our school even gave credit, long overdue, to the Cotton Bowl team.

We now are not only knocking on the door to the top 10 but we are in the drivers seat for the conference championship game of an actual major conference and our program is set up for long term success .

We are now nationally relevant and not just a blip on the screen.

Hallelujah.

[soccermom]

Can’t love this more! Double Hallelujah!

[Charleston Pony]

When asked about SMU now in a position to control their own destiny as far as reaching the ACC Championship game and the CFP Lashlee's answer was something along the lines of "you want the coach speak response or the truth?"

The bottom line is that this team now controls their own destiny but will have to win out to make the CFP. There is no way a 2 loss SMU gets in ahead of the multiple 2 loss SEC and B1G teams that will be hoping for at large bids. Only way the ACC gets 2 teams in is with a one loss Miami. It's possible a one loss BYU could be in the same position as a one loss Miami

[HubbaHubba]

But, but, but... we aren't at the level of FSU, NC and Clemson. They don't want to be in a league with us (we're better ).

[highlander]

But, but, but... we aren't at the level of FSU, NC and Clemson. They don't want to be in a league with us (we're better ).

Speaking of... somebody help me understand something: why would the SEC or the B1G want FSU and Clemson in their current state? Is it because they are big state schools with large fan bases?

[BillgoCU]

Because Clemson and FSU have the power to be relevant year after year, and are usually top 10 in viewership of games.

Also, it's one thing to be relevant in the moment, but another altogether to continue success. Clemson has finished with 9 wins or more for 13 straight years, finished in the top 25 that entire time, and has six playoffs, four national title game appearances, and two National Championships in that time, along with 9 ACC Championships. The only school with a better resume over this current period is Alabama, end of list.

[highlander]

Because Clemson and FSU have the power to be relevant year after year, and are usually top 10 in viewership of games.

Also, it's one thing to be relevant in the moment, but another altogether to continue success. Clemson has finished with 9 wins or more for 13 straight years, finished in the top 25 that entire time, and has six playoffs, four national title game appearances, and two National Championships in that time, along with 9 ACC Championships. The only school with a better resume over this current period is Alabama, end of list.

Thanks. And of course their fans probably think their whole problem is that they are in a "crappy conference".

[Charleston Pony]

Clemson and South Carolina both have large rabid fan bases and they have a great rivalry. I hope Clemson remains in the ACC because they enjoy a pretty significant advantage over SC in their all-time win-loss numbers but Clemson and FSU both fit the SEC profile of larger public schools where football is king so I understand why they might aspire to join the SEC.

[max the wonder dog]

On crowded elevator in New Orleans Sunday morning. Congratulated woman in Ole Miss sweatshirt on beating Arkansas. Conversation shifted to GA beating FL. Passenger asked if I had a team. Said SMU. Congratulated on win over Pitt, and passengers talked about impact of Clemson loss and Ponies favored for balance of regular season. I was amazed that SMU was top of mind in a crowd of football fans in heart of SEC country.

[indianmustang]

On crowded elevator in New Orleans Sunday morning. Congratulated woman in Ole Miss sweatshirt on beating Arkansas. Conversation shifted to GA beating FL. Passenger asked if I had a team. Said SMU. Congratulated on win over Pitt, and passengers talked about impact of Clemson loss and Ponies favored for balance of regular season. I was amazed that SMU was top of mind in a crowd of football fans in heart of SEC country.

keep winning and SMU should put Ads on ESPN All days next few weeks to get the brand name out

[JasonB]

On crowded elevator in New Orleans Sunday morning. Congratulated woman in Ole Miss sweatshirt on beating Arkansas. Conversation shifted to GA beating FL. Passenger asked if I had a team. Said SMU. Congratulated on win over Pitt, and passengers talked about impact of Clemson loss and Ponies favored for balance of regular season. I was amazed that SMU was top of mind in a crowd of football fans in heart of SEC country.

keep winning and SMU should put Ads on ESPN All days next few weeks to get the brand name out

Keep winning and we are in every conversation everywhere. Free advertising.

[BUS]

I am with Jasonb..
We paid the money, keep winning and take the free publicity.

[Charleston Pony]

SMU became a "brand name" albeit briefly back in the early 80's when the Pony Express was running wild. String together a few years where we put Clemson and Florida State in the rear view mirror as ACC opponents and SMU will be a brand name again. Given the changes that are inevitably coming to college football, the question is whether SMU would be able to sustain the level of success necessary to maintain a high profile

[indianmustang]

I am with Jasonb..
We paid the money, keep winning and take the free publicity.

Agreed But there is nothing wrong striking it when its HOT