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Tony Eckert and Coach B. addressed the crowd estimated at about 200 (nice turnout).

Long story short Coach B. is pleased with the improvement in size and athleticism at virtually every position. Eckert and Romo are apparently the two quarterbacks, with Phillips running a distant third.

Because of the change in size and athleticism Coach B. feels that he is going to be able to run a number of different packages on defense then he has been able to in the past. He apologized for the on field performance of the defense last year.

He is very pleased with the progress of the two senior quarterbacks, and the corps of wide receivers. As to the latter, we don't have anyone that can break a game by himself, but as a crew they should be effective. He was also very optimistic that Ryan Kennedy would add a lot to the passing attack.

Based on the Coach's comments, there are no significant deficiencies on this team. Some needs to be met, but nothing of earth shattering consequence. Primarily they just need to play together.

He promised there would be some wins in September (that would be a pleasant change), but didn't identify who would provide those.

They did not roll out the new uniforms. It was a pretty enjoyable hour.

It was great to meet the legendary BUS! Whooda thunk you were a Wildcat! Are you still smiling over your blinking Peruna? Coach B is very excited and his enthusiasm was contagious. I did not realize Eckert was such a big guy. Jerad Romo is as nice a guy as you could meet. A real class act.

They're both great guys, and they're both big -- they've both gotten a LOT stronger.
Some real pipes hanging from those boys' shoulders.

Great to see the Mustang faithful turn out for this event. And the Swedish meatballs and quesadillas weren't too bad, either!

Even though I was wearing a name tag, it was nice to have Coach B. say "I know who you are, Robert aka Mr. Mustang!" when I introduced myself to him.

Great turnout last night! Coach Bennett even said how much he appreciated the REAL Mustang fans showing up! Unlike some longwinded blowhard, that are always on this site downing everything and everyone, but NEVER show up at any events like this.

Bennett guaranteeing/promising wins? I think I may have heard that before. Also, didn't he say he ran defenses last year that he couldn't run because of "lack of talent" the year before? Sorry, but it seems this might have been last years' talk. I'm glad the guy's still optimistic but at some point, SHOW ME.

OldPony wrote:Bennett guaranteeing/promising wins? I think I may have heard that before. Also, didn't he say he ran defenses last year that he couldn't run because of "lack of talent" the year before? Sorry, but it seems this might have been last years' talk. I'm glad the guy's still optimistic but at some point, SHOW ME.

Bottom line: Coach B. has *not* given up! At one point in the presentation, he said that he loves being at SMU and he appreciates the support of the Mustang faithful, as well as the school's administration itself. He said - quoting as best as I can - "for those of you who know me pretty well, you know that I wouldn't be here if I didn't BELIEVE that this program CAN be turned around and that I'm the coach that can do it with the support, dedication and commitment of these players and fans like you!" The man's got a tough job...being a mentor/coach to players AND being a salesman.

tough job- that's what he is getting paid the big bucks for.

Forrest Gregg and Tom Rossley had tough jobs w/ less pay, horrible facilites, much tighter recruiting standards, etc....

It is time to win NOW and I hope Bennet is the one that can do it, if he can't Copeland needs to be out the door and we need to hire an SMU lifer at the AD position who has an actual love for the school.

MrMustang1965 wrote:Bottom line: Coach B. has *not* given up! At one point in the presentation, he said that he loves being at SMU and he appreciates the support of the Mustang faithful, as well as the school's administration itself. He said - quoting as best as I can - "for those of you who know me pretty well, you know that I wouldn't be here if I didn't BELIEVE that this program CAN be turned around and that I'm the coach that can do it with the support, dedication and commitment of these players and fans like you!" The man's got a tough job...being a mentor/coach to players AND being a salesman.

Of course Bennett loves it here! He has won 6 games in 3 years and received a contract extension after this past season. Talk about not having to meet any kind of expectations! As others have said, Rossley and Gregg both did more with less and were not paid the kind of dollars that Bennett has made while here at the Hilltop.

Hell yes the job is tough. There are many tough jobs that get done though. If there isn't progress this year, Bennett probably isn't the guy to get it done. We have an easy schedule, many returning starters, and 3 experienced QBs. We have been told 2 straight years that NOW I have the talent to run my defenses. I'm tired of waiting. I don't want to fire Bennett though. I want to fire Copeland for giving him a contract extension for no reason. Copeland has had more than enough time to convince others of his vision for SMU sports but can't get it done or has a vision that simply doesn't work. Turner has been supportive but evidently fairly ineffectual as a leader for sports. Copeland has not done one thing to improve SMU football since ariving and I think his first major move (firing Rossley) was an idiot move made by someone who didn't understand the issues. Don't give me the cr&p about him convincing Jerry Ford, Paul Lloyd or the Hunts into giving big money. These guys all love SMU and would have done the same had they been approached by any decent AD or Coach. I see an unfunded "Commitment" and a fat bureacrat who can't do the job. Copeland- Please just go away. And- if you sunny ones can't handle the truth, I'm sorry.

Well said Old Pony!

Well said Old Pony!

Bus, arrived late 6:35 due to a meeting in progress, left at 6:55 without being missed. Said hello to two friends, but didn't have time to look you up.
To paraphrase you, "start leaning left, we're about to make a sharp turn!"

Bus, arrived late 6:35 due to a meeting in progress, left at 6:55 without being missed. Said hello to two friends, but didn't have time to look you up.
To paraphrase you, "start leaning left, we're about to make a sharp turn!"

OldPony wrote:Hell yes the job is tough. There are many tough jobs that get done though. If there isn't progress this year, Bennett probably isn't the guy to get it done. We have an easy schedule, many returning starters, and 3 experienced QBs. We have been told 2 straight years that NOW I have the talent to run my defenses. I'm tired of waiting. I don't want to fire Bennett though. I want to fire Copeland for giving him a contract extension for no reason. Copeland has had more than enough time to convince others of his vision for SMU sports but can't get it done or has a vision that simply doesn't work. Turner has been supportive but evidently fairly ineffectual as a leader for sports. Copeland has not done one thing to improve SMU football since ariving and I think his first major move (firing Rossley) was an idiot move made by someone who didn't understand the issues. Don't give me the cr&p about him convincing Jerry Ford, Paul Lloyd or the Hunts into giving big money. These guys all love SMU and would have done the same had they been approached by any decent AD or Coach. I see an unfunded "Commitment" and a fat bureacrat who can't do the job. Copeland- Please just go away. And- if you sunny ones can't handle the truth, I'm sorry.

OldPony up the middle for 99 yards, and TD!