Breakout Season

[DickerJames]

This is suposed to be our "Breakout" year. How many wins will it take to achieve this, and is Bennent on the hot seat this year. I know we just gave him an extension, but if this is THE year, then what is the number?

[Dooby]

This is suposed to be our "Breakout" year. How many wins will it take to achieve this, and is Bennent on the hot seat this year. I know we just gave him an extension, but if this is THE year, then what is the number?

Unless Bennett goes O'fer again (which won't happen), he is not on the hotseat. He'll be given next year. Anybody that is paying attention can figure that out. But if he doesn't at least finish above.500 in 2006, he is done.

[Charleston Pony]

I don't know who proclaimed 2005 our break out season. It will be the 1st time in years we will field an OL/DL that will have several 3rd and 4th year players in the 2 deep and we actually have 3 QBs who have at least some game experience. I still think we are a year away from having any real expectations (record wise) but I do expect this year's team to be much more competitive than we have been in recent years. I'm actually expecting competitive games with Baylor and TCU this year, Another 44-0 fiasco with TCU or even a 59-7 loss to the Agg$ (like last year's debacle at OSU) will have everyone questioning whether Bennett is going to be able to get the job done here. Like it or not, any more than 3 wins will be progess and I still think 2006 is the 1st year we can actually expect to flirt with .500 or a winning season. I hope these guys prove me wrong. Every year somebody surprises everyone in college football. Why not SMU?

[DallasDiehard]

I agree with you. I think 2006 is the likely "breakout year," but I wouldn't be totally shocked if we opened some eyes this year. Baylor is better, but they certainly don't appear "strong" by any means. I read one mag that said Baylor won't be able to run the ball on anyone and won't be able to stop anyone else's running game. If that's the case, that helps as we sort out the DT situation. I'd love to see our guys knock off the Frogs or Ags, but I don't expect it. Once we get into C-USA .... who knows? I admit, I don't know a thing about many of the teams in the new league, but I would think at least some are beatable. For the sake of offering a prediction, I'll say 4-7 or maybe 5-6.

[DickerJames]

It will be the 1st time in years we will field an OL/DL that will have several 3rd and 4th year players in the 2 deep and we actually have 3 QBs who have at least some game experience

This is what I mean about "breakout". I'm not talking bowl season, but alot of posters on this board have been making excuses for the Bennent era so far and pointing to this year because of "experience". I think anythng less than 5 wins should be considered failure. I think Bennent is safe unless he posts less that 3 wins.

[huntnfish]

I think when Bennet was hired people would have expected 5 or 6 wins by now, however, I believe we will probably when 4 and need to win 4. 3 would be unacceptable.

[JasonB]

I thought this year would be a breakout, with size on both sides of the line and some good experience coming back. A strong offense and a decent defence.

However, with the loss of depth on the d-line, I think our lack of size at linebacker will be exposed again. I think we will struggle again this year - lose all OOC games and then finish .500 in conference.

Next year, I wouldn't count on as a breakout year either. We lose the entire secondary...

[JasonB]

I thought this year would be a breakout, with size on both sides of the line and some good experience coming back. A strong offense and a decent defence.

However, with the loss of depth on the d-line, I think our lack of size at linebacker will be exposed again. I think we will struggle again this year - lose all OOC games and then finish .500 in conference.

Next year, I wouldn't count on as a breakout year either. We lose the entire secondary...

[ALEX LIFESON]

don't forget three linebackers.........Rico, Alvin, and D D Lee.

[Dutch]

I think when Bennet was hired people would have expected 5 or 6 wins by now, however, I believe we will probably when 4 and need to win 4. 3 would be unacceptable.

doesn't bennet have 5 wins? i thought he got at least 2 in the '02 season, plus the three last year makes 5.

[huntnfish]

i am sure you were kidding, but to clarify, 5 wins in one season

[HFvictory]

I hope SMU turns the corner soon. Personally I don't think Bennett is the right person, but hopefully he will prove me wrong. A good man and met him when he was at TCU and enjoyed talking to him.

CFN is not a good marker, but here is there take on 2005:

101. Ohio Ohio Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
If nothing else, the hiring of Frank Solich puts Ohio football in the national consciousness for the first time since, well, maybe ever. Outside of the great running attack under now-Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe, this has been a non-descript program that hasn't been able to break through. That will eventually change under Solich who should bring a toughness and more importantly, wins.
Relative strength: Linebacker Relative Weakness: Offensive line
Star of the team: WR Scott Mayle, Jr. Key game: September 24th vs. Kent State

102. Idaho Idaho Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
The defense couldn't do much to stop anyone last year, but it should be better with one of the WAC's better linebacking corps led by Cole Snyder in the middle and Mike Anderson on the outside moving from the end. The offense needs work on the passing game with several new receivers in the mix, but the ground attack should be stellar with Jayson Bird and Rolly Lumbala as good as any running back pair in the WAC outside of Fresno State.
Relative strength: Linebacker Relative Weakness: Secondary
Star of the team: LB Cole Snyder, Sr. Key game: September 24th vs. Hawaii

103. Temple Temple Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
O.K., so there's no backup quarterback of any sort, the skill players are average and the defense has to pray experience equals production. But there are still enough pieces in place for head coach Bobby Wallace to build with to put together a decent season under the most impossible of circumstances. Long suffering Owl fans are hoping for something to cheer about, and this team should provide a few good moments.
Relative strength: Defensive line Relative Weakness: Receiver
Star of the team: DE Mike Mendenhall, Sr. Key game: September 17th vs. Toledo

104. MTSU MTSU Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
The pass defense was one of the worst in America and needs a few veterans to start making plays when the ball is in the air. The loss of star receiver Kerry Wright takes away almost all the scoring production from the receiving corps. Outside of that, the rest of the team is good enough to finally get the job done and, potentially, go bowling.
Relative strength: Quarterback Relative Weakness: Secondary
Star of the team: QB Clint Marks, Jr. Key game: September 10th vs. North Texas

105. Western Michigan Western Mich. Preview | Offense | Defense Depth Chart | Further Analysis
The Broncos fell off the map allowing a whopping 44.6 points per game against D-I teams and never, ever came up with a big stop. The switch from the 4-2-5 alignment to the 4-3 should help the porous run defense, but the pass D needs help to. If there's a major improvement, this could be an annoying team for MAC hopefuls to deal with in year one of the Bill Cubit era
Relative strength: Receiver Relative Weakness: Secondary
Star of the team: WR Greg Jennings, Sr. Key game: November 5th at Eastern Michigan

106. Buffalo Buffalo Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
With 47 returning lettermen, 16 returning starters (not counting the kickers), and vote of confidence for head coach Jim Hofher coming off a season that saw the UB defense go from abysmal to pretty good, this has to be the year things begin to turn things around. The defense has too much experience not to be among the MAC's best, the offensive line is big and good, and there are three running backs talented enough to carry the workload. Now there has to be production from the quarterbacks.
Relative strength: Defensive line Relative Weakness: Quarterback
Star of the team: CB Gemara Williams, Sr. Key game: October 1st at Western Michigan

107. UL Monroe UL Monroe Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
Yes, ULM finished 106th in the nation in scoring, and dead last in the Sun Belt, but that'll change with some pieces of the puzzle starting to fit a little bit better in the Todd Berry wide open offense. It all starts with quarterback Steven Jyles, who's already the best all-around quarterback to ever play in the Sun Belt. 6-6 receiver Drouzon Quillen is a potential next-level target, and the line will be better after suffering through some major growing pains. The defense will be solid up front, and should be O.K. in the back seven by the time Sun Belt play rolls around.
Relative strength: Quarterback Relative Weakness: Linebacker
Star of the team: P Joel Stelly, Sr. Key game: September 24th at Florida Atlantic

108. San Jose State San Jose State Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
The [deleted] Tomey era should start out with a little bit of success. The defense has a fast, but small back seven and an experienced front four that should be decent. The offense has weapons to work with needing QB Adam Tafralis to turn into a star. The offensive line is huge and has the potential to be good. If Tafralis, a sophomore, can become a player to build around, several young players can be eased into the offensive mix to look for 2006, or maybe even 2007, to become a player in the WAC race.
Relative strength: Receiver Relative Weakness: Defensive line
Star of the team: S Josh Powell, Sr. Key game: October 1st vs. Nevada


109. Eastern Michigan Eastern Michigan Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
Eastern Michigan can't seem to get any sort of defensive production no matter how many changes it makes and how hard it tries. The pass defense will need a big season from the corners to improve one of the nation's worst pass defenses, while the new, small linebacking corps has to somehow make the run defense stronger. But all the D will have to do is do just barely enough to let the explosive offense get the job done. The plan is to get more of a running game going in the spread attack while hoping for QB Matt Bohnet to be more efficient. If all the parts come together, and if the defense can improve, this could be the year EMU football turns everything around.
Relative strength: Receiver Relative Weakness: Secondary
Star of the team: WR Eric Deslauriers, Jr. Key game: September 24th at Central Michigan

110. Army Army Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
The defense can't be any more horrendous than it was last year when it was the worst in college football. There are a few good players to get excited about from strong safety Caleb Campbell to some good young linebackers. The offense will revolve around RB Carlton Jones as both a runner and receiver, but he'll have a tough time getting going behind a brand new, inexperienced line with only one returning starter.
Relative strength: Running back Relative Weakness: Offensive line
Star of the team: RB Carlton Jones, Sr. Key game: December 3rd vs. Navy

111. Ball State
The linebacking corps has the potential to be among the most productive in the MAC with five solid players for the three spots. The quarterback situation is solid thanks to the return of big bombers Joey Lynch and Cole Stinson. There's experience everywhere else, but that has to mean more production.
Relative strength: Linebacker Relative Weakness: Secondary
Star of the team: SS Erik Keys, Jr. Key game: October 8th at Western Michigan

112. UL Lafayette UL Lafayette Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
ULL might not be ready to win the Sun Belt title considering all the big question marks and concerns, but that doesn't mean it can't be more of a player in the race. QB Jerry Babb is one of the league's best players, and the defense is loaded with experience and All-Sun Belt prospects. A steady running back, pass rusher, and number two receiver alongside Bill Sampy must emerge, but all could easily happen by midseason.
Relative strength: Quarterback Relative Weakness: Linebacker
Star of the team: QB Jerry Babb, Jr. Key game: Nov. 5 at North Texas


113. Utah State Utah State Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
The 2004 team pulled off a shocker at UNLV and was able to beat Idaho and New Mexico State, but it lost to teams like MTSU, UL Monroe and Arkansas State. That can't happen anymore. The Aggies have to beat the lousy teams and hang tougher with the good ones. Are the players that mediocre or was it the schemes? We'll find out this year.
Relative strength: Secondary Relative Weakness: Linebacker
Star of the team: S Terrance Washington, Soph. Key game: Nov. 26 at New Mexico State

114. SMU SMU Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
It's year four of the Phil Bennett era and year one in Conference USA. SMU might not be the best team in the league, but it'll be hard to find one more experienced with 45 returning lettermen and 22 starters. More than that, this is the first time Bennett has had any real depth to work with. There are veteran options at just about every spot, but the real test will be to see if there's much of an overall upgrade in talent.
Relative strength: Linebacker Relative Weakness: Quarterback
Star of the team: S/LB Alvin Nnabuife, Sr Key game: Sept. 3 vs. Baylor

115. Central Michigan Central Michigan Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
Can head coach Brian Kelly take CMU from point A to point B and make it a relevant program? That's the goal as a winning season would be a nice next step in the progression. To do that, it has to be about the defense that got worse as the year went on despite playing some of the worst offensive teams in the country. Once the defense makes a slight improvement, the offense should shock and carry the team to some wins that many MAC fans won't be expecting. It might be too much to think this will be the league's surprise team, but it will certainly make some noise.
Relative strength: Receiver Relative Weakness: Secondary
Star of the team: RB Jerry Seymour, Jr. if eligible Key game: September 24 vs. Eastern Michigan

116. UCF UCF Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
There was a two point loss to Northern Illinois, an overtime loss to Ohio on a missed extra point, and a four point loss to Ball State along with a five point loss to Akron. With a few better bounces and some production from the offense that did next to nothing last year, this could be a four-win season. But don't get too excited until next season when this team will have the experience and depth to start making some noise again.
Relative strength: Defensive line Relative Weakness: Linebacker
Star of the team: WR Mike Walker, Jr. Key game: September 17 at South Florida

117. Arkansas State Arkansas State Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
The offensive line is big, but inexperienced with four new starters. There's no experienced pass rush to rely on, and the corners have to start picking off passes. Most importantly, the team has to start to believe it can win every Sun Belt game and has to come up with some more complete performances. If the bad things aren't that bad, this will be your Sun Belt sleeper.
Relative strength: Running back Relative Weakness: Offensive line
Star of the team: RB Antonio Warren, Sr. Key game: Oct. 1 at UL Monroe

118. Florida International FIU Preview | Offense | Defense | FIU Depth Chart | Further Analysis
Yes, FIU went 0-4 against D-I teams last year and got obliterated by teams like Georgia Southern and Western Kentucky, but there were occasional signs that this might be a decent Sun Belt program in time. There's some pop to the passing game, one of the Sun Belt's best offensive lines, and a ton of returning experience to expect a bit of a first year splash. This won't be a winning season, but there will be some good moments and an upset or two along the way to get Golden Panther fans excited.
Relative strength: Offensive line Relative Weakness: Secondary
Star of the team: CB Nick Turnbull, Sr. Key game: Nov. 19 vs. Florida Atlantic

119. Florida Atlantic FAU Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
The secondary is strong and the corners are fantastic leading what should be a decent defense. The offense is a concern with a small line and almost no proven playmakers among the skill positions. Making things worse is the schedule that doesn't have an Edward Waters, Northern Colorado or Illinois State on it. Don't expect miracles in the first season in D-I, but look for Howard Schnellenberger's team to make some serious Sun Belt noise if all the new young players come together early.
Relative strength: Linebacker Relative Weakness: Defensive line
Star of the team: LB Shomari Earls, Sr. Key game: Sept. 24 vs. UL Monroe

[PlanoStang]

Hmmmm, looks like Rossley had 2 breakout seasons in 6 years. 5-6 in
92, and 5-6 in 96. When a lot of people on Ponyfans were calling for
Bennett's head on a platter after 0-12 on 03, his defenders were saying
hold on. 2005 would be our breakout year with Bennett's recruiting
classes maturing by then. Now some of you want to put that off for a
year or 2.

This is the year for you Bennett defenders, and Bennett, to give your
final arguments, and the jury to go out. BUT WAIT!! The judge, jury,
and governor aka Copeland has already pardoned Bennett by giving him
an extension. Copeland was quick to fire people he didn't hire (Rossley /
Shumate), but slow to fire his own failed hires (Cavan / Dement).

I like Bennett, and hope we go at least 5-6 this year. Copeland needs to be
gone if we go 0 - 12, or 1 - 11.