@CoachJuneJones on WFAA W/Dale Hansen at 6:15pm

[PonyPride]

I didn't say the Mustangs don't hit "at all." Hitting at SMU practices, like at many schools, is limited and controlled.

[lwjr]

I didn't say the Mustangs don't hit "at all." Hitting at SMU practices, like at many schools, is limited and controlled.

PP, I am old school. What is considered, limited and controlled? Thanks

[PK]

I didn't say the Mustangs don't hit "at all." Hitting at SMU practices, like at many schools, is limited and controlled.

June is the one who said to Hansen "We don't tackle until the first game." Basically he said we teach tackling, but don't tackle in practice.

[JasonB]

I might be crazy, but I think I have seen the defense tackle the scout team before the first game.

Regardless, our record against BCS teams outside of the first game of the season isn't any worse than our record against them after that point. Talent level has a much bigger impact on that than hitting does.

[ponyboy]

Do not be reasonable. Verboten

[AusTxPony]

I'm curious, aren't our struggles more about the offense (OB and blocking) than on defensive tackling in those early BCS games. All those three and outs really hurt.

[SMU 86]

I'm curious, aren't our struggles more about the offense (OB and blocking) than on defensive tackling in those early BCS games. All those three and outs really hurt.

Offense not used to getting hit maybe? We are known for a slow start. Look for us to get in stride after the 4th game as usual after the team kind of gets used to game day contact.

[SMU 86]

I didn't say the Mustangs don't hit "at all." Hitting at SMU practices, like at many schools, is limited and controlled.

June is the one who said to Hansen "We don't tackle until the first game." Basically he said we teach tackling, but don't tackle in practice.

PK is right.

[PonyPride]

It comes down to the difference between hitting and tackling. It is true that they try to limit tackling (coaches can be heard imploring players to "stay on your feet"), but there are live drills that most definitely involve hitting and game-speed contact. Plus, there is a drill in which two players go one-on-one, basically trying to pin each other like wrestlers, and there is nothing passive about it. The hitting that coaches allow is a measure of roster management by trying to limit injuries.

[mrydel]

Anyone that has ever played the game knows that if you are not tackling to the ground you are letting up at the end. That is where the speed will beat you. A running back or receiver in a game will be a half step difference full speed as opposed to practicing full speed but letting up on the hitting. June needs to learn that we need to win nonconference games. They are not exhibition.

[couch 'em]

I think the drop in performance due to lack of hitting is only a small factor in the much larger problem if complete disfunction on offense we have seen every year under June

[PonySnob]

I think the drop in performance due to lack of hitting is only a small factor in the much larger problem if complete disfunction on offense we have seen every year under June

Good thing none of this involves recruiting.........

[RyanSMU98]

June needs to learn that we need to win nonconference games. They are not exhibition.

I think this is the more important point, regardless of your stance on hitting in practice. I've always gotten the vibe that the lack of focus in our OOC games has to do with a feeling that they "don't really count". If that is truly the mentality, it puts the team in a position where their back is against the wall from day one of conference play and that is not a good place for the team to be. EVERY game counts, and they need to prep as hard for Tech and Montana St as they do for Rutgers, UCONN and the rest of the American slate.

[TidePony]

True, True, True

[78pony]

Taking them to the ground is the only way anyone is participating full speed. Anything less is not. That simple. And mrydel is 100% correct when he notes that you cannot prepare for game speed without full contact to the ground.