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Let me admit first, that I've never been more excited about a losing season. We have wins over quality teams for the first time since I've followed the team and we have a good portion of our nucleus returning. I'll even admit that when I looked at next years schedule I thought 10-2 and 11-1 were very possible if not probable and an upset puts us at 12-0 and we crash the BCS party...but after I let things marinate a few days I'm still encouraged, but I'm also equally worried about next year.

First, we have two glaring holes, QB and LB. We're all familiar with the trials and tribulations that is the SMU QB position. Our only QB on the roster with college game experience is in the dog house for some reason (I would really like to know what the deal is with that situation, if PB gave a reason, any reason I would be much happier with him. I still have visions of Phillips putting on a show against TCU as a TRUE frosh). So without a clear answer on who will play QB next year (are there any studs who want to start right away out there, I'm looking at you Stafford), you have to think our already poor offense takes a step back.

As important as the QB is to the offense, the LB's are as important to the D. I don't really know what the situation is here, but I read on here that this position will be less of strength next year. I hope this area gets attention from some JUCO's. And speaking of recruiting, isn't this the worst we've done since PB has been here? Two commitments and it's Dec.! With the late success and having the time to finally hit the trail full force I'll reserve judgement until signing day, but it doesn't look good.

I don't mean to drag everybody down, but when you take a sobering look at the facts, we still have a long way to go. I hope we get a stud QB or Phillips gets a chance and becomes the bad [deleted] QB I think he can be, and I hope we sign 4 JUCO LB's that make Urlacher look small. I think we all need to realize, myself included, that we might end up with a similiar record to this year, and god forbid, worse. I'm still hoping for 12-0, anything is possible, but this is SMU after all and I've been dissapointed before by my alm mater.

Yes, we lose the starting QB and OL and a backup WR. Basically the offense is back with more strength and experience. We do need to answer the QB question but we are replacing a solid though not great QB. Better than we have had in a while. But his numbers are only average by D1 standards. There is a good chance we can improve the position but that is all unknown at this point.

The D is a bit different. That will take some retooling as numerous LB/DB positions graduate. There is a heck of a lot of experience back there going away. On the bright side, the DL has not looked this good in, well, since the you know what. We do have Carrington to help anchor the LBs and Sturdivant in the secondary. Those are good signs.

The D will need to grow during the year and hopefully reach the current level. New players will be needed.

As a result the offense will need to be improved over last year for us to improve as a team. That means better QB play or at the very least equal and better results in the running game. It could happen.

I am very concerned about recruiting. We are very behind!

I was concerned, and yes, it is late, but we are coming off a year where we can generate momentum. We have a story to tell. If we were sitting here at 3-8 or 2-9 then I would be worried. We know that PB can recruit. Let's see how it goes.