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it is not only possible but plausible that SMU could win 5 of the last 6 (maybe even pull an upset at Fresno State) but given the difficult non-conference schedule, win 5 of the last 6, go 6-5 on the season and be invited to some sort of bowl game. I guess the first step is to focus on Rice. What are your thoughts?

My wildest hope is 5-6.

focus on rice.

Well yes, it's possible. But I would think it's not likely, because while there's no unbeatable team left on the schedule, there certainly are no gimme's, either. It's not an excuse, but young teams make mistakes, and we're the youngest team in the country.

Even in the best-case scenario, if we were to go 6-5, I doubt we'd get a bolw invite because of skepticism about how many fans would travel. If we were to run the table and go 7-4 .... maybe (if we did that, Coach Bennett is easily WAC Coach of the Year). My guess is that bowl committees would pat us on the back, say "nice season" and see if the carry-over would mean larger crowds next year, and if we have a similarly strong year next year, then we might garner a bowl invitation with a strong record.

Let's worry about Rice first. Like everyone else on the schedule, they're not a layup in any way. We need to play well get win #2.

Based on the recent Sagarin all our remaining games except Fresno are bascially within a touchdown, we would be favored in two games.

Therefore we need to improve, play hard, and focus on the next game. Rice is the pivotal game.

DarkHorse said..."Even in the best-case scenario, if we were to go 6-5, I doubt we'd get a bolw invite because of skepticism about how many fans would travel. If we were to run the table and go 7-4 .... maybe (if we did that, Coach Bennett is easily WAC Coach of the Year). My guess is that bowl committees would pat us on the back, say "nice season" and see if the carry-over would mean larger crowds next year, and if we have a similarly strong year next year, then we might garner a bowl invitation with a strong record..."

DarkHorse, if we could somehow go 6-5 we probably go bowling. As I recall, there are 4 auto bids for the WAC? Is that correct???

But 1st, follow HoofBeat's advise: focus on RICE!!!!!!!!!!

A win against SJSU and avoiding a blow-out with BSU does not translate into a winning season. True, the team has more offensive scoring with Eckert and Romo as QB's. I like that improvement too; but let's be realistic about winning more games. Any win this year is progress. If we get even two more W's that will help.

Man! SMU's record setting 1 first down in the first half performance really has some of you guys pumped up. Here we go again! Could some of you geniuses please hold off the delusions of grandeur until at least the team matures somewhat next year.

Any sunshiner who comes on here and talks about bowl potential this year really needs to check into rehab now before its too late.

I know this was idle "what if" chatter, and not a prediction or anything - - and I am as hopeful as the next guy - but the word "bowl" should not even be able to be typed until MUCH more work is done around here.

Today, Stallion, JTStang, and Gostangs get the Kenneth Pye award for taking themselves and their self-proclaimed "expert opinions" too seriously! You are truely "low-quality johnsons!" For heavans sake, last time I checked, this was a "what-if" question posed to the group. Give me a break if I don't want to wait until next year for a shot at being a competitive team. We should expect the best possible scenario this year. If that doesn't happen, then the speculation can begin in January on the upcoming season. Until then ladies, keep your skirt in check! If we make it to a bowl this year, you girls are free to eat your hat and disassociate from this message board completely!

Decent chance at wins (but toss-ups). Nevada, Tulsa, and UTEP
Unlikely chance at a win. Fresno
Very Difficult but not impossible to win. Rice and La. Tech.

My guess we win three of the above. We might stub our toes on category 1 and pull a surprise in category 3. 4-7 (my pre-season prediction). No, we won't go to a bowl this year.

Next year could be a winning season depending on injuries and transfers (out).

geephunk wrote:Give me a break if I don't want to wait until next year for a shot at being a competitive team. We should expect the best possible scenario this year.

If your expectations for the best possible scenario this year include a bowl game for the ponies, please see my prior post in this thread, sunshiner.

OK, I'm a recovering 'Pessimist'.

IMO, this WAC season is a two-tier conference:
[1] the haves- Boise, Fresno, Hawaii(maybe)
[2] the rest of us.

Tulsa 04 is NOT Tulsa 03;
Rice- anybody who gives up 70 to SJSU is suspect;
Nevada- another SJSU
UTEP- this team is not Mike Price's guys (yet)

LaTech- could be trouble-but we're @ home; maybe Moats misses the bus

jtstang wrote:If your expectations for the best possible scenario this year include a bowl game for the ponies, please see my prior post in this thread, sunshiner.

You spit out the word sunshiner like you just got a mouth full of dog sh*t. When did sunshiner become a four letter word jt? Hell if someone wants to have a little fun and speculate the impossible...so what? No one on here has an exclusive claim to all the answers much less a crystal ball. Your reality is not the only reality out there...some people actually enjoy being optimistic. I know this won't change your outlook on life or more specifically SMU football, but I enjoyed the oportunity to comment on it.