Notes from the win over Marshall

[PonyPride]

QB-Justin Willis had four TD Passes and now has 16 on the season; he sets a new SMU freshman record for TD passes (Freshman record was 14 TD passes by Mike Romo in 1989); it is also the fourth most for an SMU player in a season (Overall record is 21 by Chuck Hixson in 1968, 19 by Mike Romo in 1990, and 17 by Mike Ford in 1978); it was also his third 4+ TD game of the season, which is a new SMU season and career record; Willis was 20-23-208-4-0 for a 220.3 passer rating - his season rating is 165.6

WR-Zack Sledge had one TD reception, which was his second of the season and second of his career

WR-Emmanuel Sanders has caught a TD pass in five straight games setting a new SMU record (previously four straight by Emanuel Tolbert (1977) and Jerry LeVias (1966)); his five receiving TDs also ties the SMU freshman record (has been done twice before)

TE-Ryan Kennedy had one TD reception for his fifth of the season and seventh of his career

WR-Reynaldo Pellerin had one TD catch for his second of the season and the ninth of his career

LB-Will Bonilla had his first career fumble recovery

LB-Paul Hiemenz had his first career forced fumble

P/PK-Thomas Morstead was 1-2 on field goals (44 miss, 34 made) and is 7-10 on the season; he was 4-4 PAT and is 21-22 on the year; he also had a season-best 65 yard-punt

DB-Devin Lowery had his first three career interceptions; three picks in a game ties for third most at SMU, it is the eighth all-time 3+ interception game by an SMU player



SMU Team Notes

The Mustangs set season highs for first downs (25), rushing attempts (45), completions (23), fewest penalties (2), fewest penalty yards (20), and interceptions (3)

The Mustangs were 8-14 on third down conversions and are 4-0 on the season when converting better than 44-percent on third down

The Mustangs improve to 4-3 on the season, their best start since a 5-2 mark in 1986

SMU has won five straight home games, which is the most since a seven game streak over 1981 and 1982

The Mustangs have 19 TD Passes on the season, which is the third-most in a season at SMU (22 in 1990, 21 in 1968)

[Mustangs35SMU]

I expect those touchdown pass records to be broken this year.

Awesome job by the guys tonight. 5 games to go. We can do this guys! GO STANGS!

[PonyPride]

In addition, Willis crept over 70 percent in completion percentage, and has a touchdowns-to-interceptions ration this year of 16-3.

[Sam I Am]

Now that there is a home field winning pattern getting started, we can hope to beat the UAB, Coogs, and Tulsa. The road games with ECU and Rice are winnable. From now on the ponies can win any game left on thier schedule. That is not the same as saying that they will win all of the games left this year. I see at least three more wins, maybe four. 7-5 for sure and 8-4 is possible.

[Mustangs35SMU]

Totally agree.

I still see no reason why we can't compete for a CUSA West Title this year.

[abezontar]

if we are going to dream why not go ahead and hope for 9-3. That would be outstanding.

[gostangs]

Look - this was a very important win more then it was a surprising win - it was Marshall in a down year at home. We will have a VERY tough time with Houston, and I would guess also with most of our remaining games. 3 more wins is possible. I dont see 4.

[White Helmet]

Also of note Stallions love child Hiram Walker 2 catches 7yds.

[SmartAsymptote]

Look - this was a very important win more then it was a surprising win - it was Marshall in a down year at home. We will have a VERY tough time with Houston, and I would guess also with most of our remaining games.

yea but tulsa and houston are also at home......

[Big10Ponyfan]

And Houston is currently having a problem getting out of its own way. After starting 4-0, Cougar High is now 4-3.