CFN C-USA Spring Preview: SMU

by **Harry0569** » Sat Feb 19, 2011 10:14 am

What to work on:

SMU
Turnovers. The Mustangs have enough talent by Conference USA standards, but were saddled by mistakes last fall. They were 10th in the league in turnovers gained and lost, a huge reason why the team finished .500.

Pre-Season Rankings (Tulsa in #1)
2. SMU

2010 CFN Final Ranking: 61
2010 Record: 7-7
2010 CFN Preseason Rank: 87
CFN 2010 Preseason Prediction: 5-7
2009 Final Ranking: 61
2008 Final Ranking: 114

Longtime SMU fans, this might be the year you've waited decades for. Being back among the living is one thing, but winning the Conference USA title, and being good enough to hang with anyone on the schedule, is another. QB Kyle Padron leads a loaded offense that gets ten starters back, only losing star WR Aldrick Robinson. The defense gets back eight starters, and while the linebacking corps takes a hit, the front seven should be sound.

by **Harry0569** » Sat Feb 19, 2011 10:15 am

Why We should be excited:

Of the 15 Mustangs that received at least honorable mention all-conference recognition, only three graduate. Everyone will be back on the O-line, led by first team all-star LT Kelvin Beachum.

Why we should be grouchy:
Is Kyle Padron truly the answer under center? Sure, the numbers look good as an aggregate, but over the last seven games, he went in reverse, throwing 12 touchdowns and eight picks. The evolution from his rookie year didnâ€™t quite happen.

by **2ndandlong** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 2:18 pm

Im not quite ready to worry about a sophomore slump. It is incredibly common and rarely indicative of career performance.

by **Dukster** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 2:39 pm

How many true sophomores have started 20 Div 1 games and led their teams to 2 bowl games and conference championships? Not many. I don't believe QB is a trouble-spot. Too many fans think that after the 460 bowl game that should be his normal performance. He's growing everyday. I'm more inclined to let June do the evaluation. Good luck Ponies.