In Friday's DMN

[PonyPride]

Willis' plan for SMU's opener: Keep it simple

By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News

UNIVERSITY PARK – Quarterback Justin Willis of Denton Ryan said he's anxious for the season opener because it will be his first college start. Willis, a redshirt freshman, won the starting job in spring practice and continued to play well in training camp despite a wart on his right foot.

"The perfect situation would be to have your first game at home," he said. "But I've played in front of big crowds in high school, and this situation [on Saturday] is good for me. You want to keep it simple but don't hold anything back."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SMU freshman kicker misses practice

By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News

UNIVERSITY PARK – Freshman kicker Kellis Cunningham missed practice because of a groin injury. The Carrollton Creekview product is expected to practice today. Coach Phil Bennett said sophomore Thomas Morstead would kick off and punt and kick field goals and extra points if Cunningham's recovery was delayed.

Bennett has praised Morstead's fearlessness and leg strength. Cunningham and Morstead were among five kickers who Bennett said would travel to Lubbock for Saturday's opener.

Briefly ...

The NCAA ruled that cornerback Brandon Jones' eligibility would not be restored for 2006. He is out for academic reasons but improved in the classroom enough to make school officials seek a reinstatement. Jones will practice with the scout team. ... Former tight end John Hampton (1999-2002), who will do sideline reports for the radio broadcast, attended Wednesday's practice.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SMU's Lowery finds a home as starting cornerback

By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News

UNIVERSITY PARK – Devin Lowery, one of the Mustangs' most athletic players, spent two seasons at wide receiver. After Lowery made little impact there, the coaches moved him to cornerback. Lowery, a junior from Grand Prairie, earned the starting job at corner and debuts Saturday.

"I thought they were joking when they first told me about it," Lowery said. "I don't have my technique down like some of the other corners, and I look back for the balls more than most, but I feel ready."

[Dark Horse]

Curious note in Thursday's DMN football preview section:

In the section dedicated to SMU and Conference USA, it lists the "Top five players"

WR Aundrae Allison - ECU
FS Bobby Blackshire - Tulsa
RB Ahmad Bradshaw - Marshall
LB Jeremy Jones - UTEP
QB Jordan Palmer - UTEP
DE Justin Rogers - SMU

Um .... isn't that SIX players?

[ponyplayer]

Curious note in Thursday's DMN football preview section:

In the section dedicated to SMU and Conference USA, it lists the "Top five players"

WR Aundrae Allison - ECU
FS Bobby Blackshire - Tulsa
RB Ahmad Bradshaw - Marshall
LB Jeremy Jones - UTEP
QB Jordan Palmer - UTEP
DE Justin Rogers - SMU

Um .... isn't that SIX players?

it`s coded, don`t let it fool you....................................

[BrianTinBigD]

Looks like Palmer is picking up where he left off against SMU last year by throwing 4 picks. Not sure why he keeps getting all this pub except for the fact that his brother was good.

[Dark Horse]

Being Carson's brother has to be pretty cool. You're related to the Heisman Trophy winner. You're related to the #1 pick. You're suddenly the brother of an absurdly rich guy.

With Hackney gone, I still think he's the best QB in Conference USA, though (eliminating all SMU quarterbacks from the discussion, because we all know they're better than all the rest).

[BRStang]

Latest article: For now, softy goals realistic for SMU, Tech...

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent ... c712f.html

[MFFL02]

It is unfortunate that we have to start off the season this way. I can't imagine we win this game with a freshman QB and losing your first game of the season certainly can't help your mentality and confidence.