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I've decided to temporarily suspend my anti-Bennett rhetoric for one more game, akin to his contract extension (no guarantees).

Thus, should we win, he retains another week suspension from defamation. If he loses, then the suspension is revoked.

This will continue until I have determined that enough credits have been deposited to allow any withdrawals without penalty.

If he tries to make another early withdrawal, then he will be penalized severely.

After watching the Phil Bennett press conference, reading the remarks reportedly made by Bennett to Rich Phillips and observing the pathetic QB recruiting by Phil Bennett over the last 3 years, I recall the comments-"If Phil Bennett fails to develop Chris Phillips in 2005 then he will be placing his own job in jeopardy in 2006" -Spring 2004. Enjoy the Hot Seat Bubba!!! You're your own worst enemy.

Stallion wrote:After watching the Phil Bennett press conference, reading the remarks reportedly made by Bennett to Rich Phillips and observing the pathetic QB recruiting by Phil Bennett over the last 3 years, I recall the comments-"If Phil Bennett fails to develop Chris Phillips in 2005 then he will be placing his own job in jeopardy in 2006" -Spring 2004. Enjoy the Hot Seat Bubba!!! You're your own worst enemy.

I watched the PC, and heard what he said to Calvin Watkins. I'm thinking perhaps PB wasn't at the workshop on how to deal with the media that we saw on Running with the Stangs. Calling out your own beat writer when your program is (to coin a phrase) scratching, kicking, biting, clawing for any kind of exposure, in my opinion, not the best path. I quit listening after that.

That having been said, what did PB say to Rich?

RGV Pony wrote:Calling out your own beat writer when your program is (to coin a phrase) scratching, kicking, biting, clawing for any kind of exposure, in my opinion, not the best path.

That is untrue. We are getting coverage in the Dallas Morning News everyday. Check the coverage thread.

Can someone summarize?
I have no desire to watch him talk about that game. What did he say to Watkins?

It was several things. Quite a lively exchange throughout. Watch it on smumustangs.com. to get the full effect.

He alluded to Calvin incorrectly reporting who the QB would be once in the past and suggested he get his facts straight.

He implied someone involved with the game would understand things better and that Rice doing so well means nothing, no comparison.

And he didn't like being asked why SMU took a step back at UNT and why the proram is not progressing.

Calvin hit with some tough, direct questions - which was appropriate. He was speaking for the fans, I think.

It was ONE game, folks! Holy smokes! It's like a comedy show around here some of you are so predictable...

After watching the press conference I have the following observations:

1. Bennett sure does seem to throw Willis under the bus a lot. Beats a dead horse on his lack of execution of the opening play. Also, gives Willis no vote of confidence saying he will be the starter unless he messes up this week in practice. Aren't good coaches supposed to do things to take pressure off of an inexperienced QB rather than use him as a crutch to lean on for an embarrassing loss? Wouldn't it be better to make him feel that you have faith in him rather than publicly making it appear as if he is on the hot seat?

2. Bennett could not back off those bowl predictions fast enough. That was short lived.

3. This was a press conference of a man who knows he is on the hot seat. Completely lacking in composure and seemed very rattled.

4. On the plus side, at least he built up some goodwill with Calvin Watkins right?

Right now I'm afraid Willis might be headed to TE after his next interception. We've all seen how much confidence Bennett has had each and every year in his starters when things go bad. I really think that if Willis makes an early mistake he'll be yanked. Let me make it clear what I would do-I'd stick with Willis and show confidence in him even if he makes some mistakes.

For the record, after the end of the press conference Watkins and Bennett were collegial and joking around. That doesn't mean the exchange wasn't bizaare.

After watching Phil he reminded me of my good friend Captain Queeg of the good ship Caine. Where are those strawberries?

Stallion wrote:Let me make it clear what I would do-I'd stick with Willis and show confidence in him even if he makes some mistakes.

110% agreed from me.

For the record, after the end of the press conference Watkins and Bennett were collegial and joking around. That doesn't mean the exchange wasn't bizaare.

True that they were palling around afterwords, but Calvin clearly got to Bennett during the press conference. And Bennett, backed in a corner, was about as calm, cool, and collective as one of his "inexperienced QB's" with the pass rush bearing down on him.

I would rather play North Texas than alot of schools, but the scenario that has played out demonstrates why SMU had very little to gain and lots to lose by playing this NT team. It made even less sense for us to go on the road to play this game. Should have made them come to Ford if they wanted to play SMU badly enough. Even though UNT has had a better program than us the past few years, the media and public was ready to pounce on smu for a loss, but would have given no credit for a win. Bennett should have known this and his biggest mistake might have been scheduling this game and going to Denton was certainly stupid, I think. SMU should have demanded a 2 for 1 series with Unt if they wanted to play us, with the first game at ford. oh well. Live and dont learn.

Hoop Fan wrote:I would rather play North Texas than alot of schools, but the scenario that has played out demonstrates why SMU had very little to gain and lots to lose by playing this NT team.

And we've got 2 more of the same coming up.