College Football News Predicition Wazzu/Ponies

[Harry0569]

I think it's a fair assessment.

Here’s The Deal … Washington State and SMU get together for the second straight year in a game won by Wazzu in 2009. It was the program’s only victory of the season. The Cougars broke out of the winless column last weekend, barely holding off Montana State, 23-22, with a late surge in the final quarter. For a program mired in a culture of losing, it’s the type of comeback that could provide a much-needed confidence boost. The Mustangs evened their record as well last Saturday, beating UAB handily, 28-7. Showing unexpected flexibility, SMU tabled the passing attack for one game, winning win defense and the running game. It’s not assured of anything, in terms of the postseason, so every winnable game needs to be wrapped up and put in the vault.
Why Washington State Might Win: In order to beat SMU for a second consecutive year, the Cougars must extend drives and win the turnover battle, which was their formula for success last September. There are glimmers of hope on offense for Wazzu, beginning with the backfield of QB Jeff Tuel and RB James Montgomery. Tuel provided the spark last week, throwing two touchdown passes and engineering three scoring drives in the final quarter. Montgomery ran for 116 yards, highlighted by a 70-yard explosion, and is just now rounding into form after missing 2009.
Why SMU Might Win: No, the Mustangs aren’t about to start practicing the triple-option, but even a hint of the running game is going to cause headaches for opponents. Everyone knows they can throw it with Kyle Padron and his slippery receivers, but now there’s an element of a power running game that June Jones is mixing in. SMU ran for 247 yards against UAB, getting 122 and two scores from 6-1, 235-pound Zach Line. It’s a divergent blend of weapons that’s going to keep a suspect Washington State defense guessing.
What To Watch Out For: Has anyone noticed how well the Mustang defense has been playing? Probably not since the offense garners most of the attention. However, over the last five quarters versus Texas Tech and UAB, SMU has given up just seven points, and just got done shutting down playmaking Blazer QB David Isabelle. Fueled by the aggressive play of linebackers Pete Fleps, Ja’Gared Davis, and Taylor Reed, coordinator Tom Mason is quietly doing a nice job with this unit.
What Will Happen: Since falling behind to Texas Tech in the third quarter of the opener, SMU has regrouped to outscore opponents, 48-14. It’ll keep that momentum going at the expense of flimsy Washington State. No longer one-trick Ponies, the Mustangs will continue to show balance on offense and surprising muscle on defense.
CFN Prediction: SMU 34 … Washington State 16 … Line: SMU -22.5
Must See Rating: Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps – 5 … The Event - 1 … 2

[Mestengo]

Like this part
"No longer one-trick Ponies"

[The PonyGrad]

News to the college football world, we were not one trick ponies last season either.

[ponyte]

One thing missing from the analysis is the fact we have a 61 yard field goal kicker. That potential has to play into ours and our opponents planning. SMU has extended its capabilities to score thanks to our kicker. It isn't the deciding factor, but can sure demoralize an opponents’ defense.

Really don’t see WSU scoring double digits. It’s hard for me to imagine they can score at all on our defense. Turnovers once again will be key in getting a shutout.

[Harry0569]

One thing missing from the analysis is the fact we have a 61 yard field goal kicker. That potential has to play into ours and our opponents planning. SMU has extended its capabilities to score thanks to our kicker. It isn't the deciding factor, but can sure demoralize an opponents’ defense.

Really don’t see WSU scoring double digits. It’s hard for me to imagine they can score at all on our defense. Turnovers once again will be key in getting a shutout.

My only fear is if Moore doesn't play because we are so thin at CB. They have tall rather experienced receivers, BUT if our front seven is getting to the QB I guess we won't have to worry much about Tuell getting chucking it around.

[The PonyGrad]

I see us giving up one or two long TD passes. There will be no shut-out.