Knee-jerk reaction - are we finished?

[PK]

Would it be so bad to dominate the non P5 teams? Outside of a few years, it's not like SMU has ever dominated its conference in the last 50 years playing against the "big boys".

Personally not a fan of being king of the midgets

As opposed to being door mat of the giants? Well, let's get to that "king" position before deciding we don't like it. We still have a ways to go before we can claim that "king" title.

Don't get me wrong, I want us to be in a P5 conference as much as anyone, but I don't think we are currently in a position to think too highly of our current place in the pecking order.

[couch 'em]

We have continued to play down to our competition. I'm sure some thought we would dominate WAC or CUSA because they are "lower" conferences. Instead we all lower to be bottom end there too.

Better to be a .500 team in to level football than be the best at a lower division. Unless you think DI-AA annual powerhouse is better off than we are as a low end DI-A program.

[SMUstangs22]

Is there no way we can stay in the mix? As far as financial ability goes, we are one of the strongest for non P5 schools... I cannot imagine not having an SMU football team to cheer for.

[PK]

Is there no way we can stay in the mix? As far as financial ability goes, we are one of the strongest for non P5 schools... I cannot imagine not having an SMU football team to cheer for.

I think we have to fight the fight, but to win that fight we need more than financial ability. We need (1)a winning program and (2)a much bigger fan base. #1, if we get there, will hopefully help with #2.

[SMUstangs22]

Is there no way we can stay in the mix? As far as financial ability goes, we are one of the strongest for non P5 schools... I cannot imagine not having an SMU football team to cheer for.

I think we have to fight the fight, but to win that fight we need more than financial ability. We need (1)a winning program and (2)a much bigger fan base. #1, if we get there, will hopefully help with #2.

Is there enough time for this? Aren't we late to the party? We have branding and history. Not many other non P5s who would see such a quick evolution as us if we were included.

[PK]

Is there no way we can stay in the mix? As far as financial ability goes, we are one of the strongest for non P5 schools... I cannot imagine not having an SMU football team to cheer for.

I think we have to fight the fight, but to win that fight we need more than financial ability. We need (1)a winning program and (2)a much bigger fan base. #1, if we get there, will hopefully help with #2.

Is there enough time for this? Aren't we late to the party? We have branding and history. Not many other non P5s who would see such a quick evolution as us if we were included.

Timing is somewhat connected to the final size of each of the P5 conference that is desired. There may still be room for a few more teams...or not. Until such time that the P5 decide not to play G5 schools any more, we HAVE TO START WINNING OUR GAMES AGAINST THE P5 TEAMS. Every team in the AAC has to belly up to the bar and raise the value of the conference. Perhaps there will be a P6 in the future. The AAC does have a good start with the value of our BB teams.

[SMUstangs22]

Are we one of those schools? I see the case that we should be a candidate for one of the last ones in, but I am extremely biased.

[PonySnob]

Curious as to what school the alumni who say they are done with SMU football if it is in fact at a lower level, will support.........

[Stallion]

We have not been able to come close to selling out of our small travel allotments to any of our old SWC rivals all within 3 hours driving range. So when you are looking at every excuse on the book-start with an alumni that does not justify P5 status. P5 schools sellout traveling allotments especially within short driving distances. SMU had more season ticket holders 14 years ago when Ford opened. Start there. We have no real case to make in 2014 that we deserve P5 consideration. Compare the schools that made the jump and those with the best shot

[smusportspage]

Curious as to what school the alumni who say they are done with SMU football if it is in fact at a lower level, will support.........

None...turn my aligience solely to professional football. Not interested in the semi pro stuff if that is what it turns out to be.

[redpony]

How does anybody think we will make a move to progress to the next level? We have a pres. that has not had fball as a priority for about 20 yrs. He has indicated that mediocrity is fine with him. We have no real indication that the CofC will continue or expand their funding of the fball program. While we have a substantial endowment I doubt if RGT would spend any of that to do what is necessary for us to become a 'prime candidate' for future P5 selection. IMO we missed the train years ago and now it is highly unlikely we will ever become a major fball force.

[GiddyUp]

We have not been able to come close to selling out of our small travel allotments to any of our old SWC rivals all within 3 hours driving range. So when you are looking at every excuse on the book-start with an alumni that does not justify P5 status. P5 schools sellout traveling allotments especially within short driving distances. SMU had more season ticket holders 14 years ago when Ford opened. Start there. We have no real case to make in 2014 that we deserve P5 consideration. Compare the schools that made the jump and those with the best shot

True

but they will travel to MSG or Birmingham when things matter a bit more. Baylor 2 yrs ago wasn't too bad actually. tCU last yr was pathetic. I realized when we were 5-1, it just doesn't matter and we had peaked in fball interest.

[SMUer]

We can't even afford matching pants and red helmet appliqués to complete our throwback outfit last year. Our financial might is a myth.

[SMUer]

Re: 2011's 5-1 start

We got extremely lucky against TCU and nearly gave it away...one game doesn't christen a contender and we only needed to meet the next decent opponent on the road to wash away that shine. String some 8-9-10 win seasons together before we start complaining.

[Bergermeister]

Oh, woe is me.