2-2 september

[Vitale]

If we lose to Tech, OSU and TCU but then upset San Jose State, I'd be OK with that, because we'd be 1-0 in the WAC. There's no guarantee, of course, but it's possible. And while logic would dictate that we'll be 0-4 or at best 1-3, I'll predict a very close game with TCU that could go either way. We've gotten closer and closer to them each of the last several years, and scared the hell out of them in 2003. If it comes down to a last-second (or overtime) field goal, who knows? They no longer have Nick Browne (thankfully), who was nothing short of sensational for them. They lost three starters off a good defensive line, and while they have some highly-regarded JUCOs coming in as replacements, we won't know for sure how good they are until they suit up and play for the Frogs. And maybe the fact that we play them early will help, because their new JUCO defensive linemen will need a little time (I hope) to master Coach Patterson's defense.
I'm not saying we'll beat the Frogs. But I'm sure as hell not ready to say we can't, either.

[Stallion]

it is hilarious how many of you think. You think we are getting closer and closer to TCU while they went 10-2 and we went 0-12. That's the same logic used to predict victories over Tech in Lubbock because we almost beat them the prior year. How did that work out for ya? The two programs are simply in two different places-there may be a glimmer of hope as we move toward the 2005-2006 seasons that we can give them a good game but they will be prohibitive favorites in Ft Worth next year.

[EastStang]

I think TCU will be a tough game for us. We caught them this year on a short week after their first loss of the season. They went from Fiesta dreams to the possibility of Birmingham during exams. Patterson will have them pumped up for us. TT and OSU our goal should be to avoid letting anyone set any records against us.

[Vitale]

Of COURSE they'll be prohibitive favorites. But we lost by 55 points three years ago, 28 points two years ago, 11 last year and 7 this year -- that's not getting closer? I assume you were commenting generally, not just at my response, but the fact is we have shown we can compete with them. We haven't shown we can beat them, and I don't think anyone is claiming we'll go over to Fort Worth and beat them just by showing up. But part of being a fan is the right to remain optimistic, and based on the fact that the scores have gotten closer in recent years creates optimism -- not cockiness or pipedreams, just optimism for improvement, and eventually for victories.

[Water Pony]

I absolutely agree, Vitale,

I have always separated the pro sports fans from the College alumni sports fan. We want victories, we want to be proud, we want to brag, but our loyality is not option to me. A Pro Sports fan can be fickled, withhold their beer money and demand something change. It is entertainment.

But college alumni are "stuck" or "committed" no matter what. The idea that our demands can fix things quickly, e.g. fire x, y and z, doesn't easily fit a college model. In order words, I can't withhold my loyality or optimism. It is who I am, an SMU Mustang!!

[Ikus]

There you go, H2O - we are SMU Mustangs, and should be proud of that. I am, and you sound like you are. Your outlook is admirable and should be mirrored by the masses on this board.