Revised Predictions?

[03Mustang]

DMN says 42-21

Without Willis, I say 42-10 UTEP. Assuming this is all a ruse to throw UTEP off (which I will hold onto until kickoff), then it'll be much closer....

Man, I'm depressed...what a crappy start to the weekend.

[J.T.supporta]

If SMU can find a way to jump start their running game and establish a running attack and drive down the field in their first possession, SMU WILL WIN THIS GAME.

Palmer will give up the ball throwing and the SMU secondary must take advantage of every Palmer mistake.

If we can run the ball effectively, it will take a lot of pressure of Slater, and will help him in the passing game.

SMU MOST FIND A WAY TO THROW THE BALL TO RYAN KENNEDY, because I feel that this is Kennedys game due to the unfortunate suspension of Willis.

However if Slater struggles, I would like to see Eric Johnson get a shot at showing Burns and P.B. that he can play.

SMU 13
UTEP 24

....I dont see us running the ball effectively and taking advantage of bad passes thrown by Palmer. the team will be too focused on the loss of Willis and not what's at stake: a bowl game.

[RGV Pony]

If Slater looks anything like he did in the spring game, it'll be a long day. My guess would be something like it was last time we were in El Paso, only the Mustangs score fewer points.

UTEP 51
SMU 12

[stangsnumber1]

the team will be too focused on the loss of Willis and not what's at stake: a bowl game[quote][/quote]

yeah i am sure the team is devasted about the lose of Willis for this game, but those players have gained alot of confidence in the past couple of games due to Willis' playing ability. Sure he wont be there this game, but he has helped them become better players and they aren't going to give up their run for the bowl because he isn't playing in one game. If anything, they are going to give UTEP a run for their money and bring home a VICTORY!! they are playing this game for Willis!!

[FordtoTolbert]

UTEP 51
SMU 10

[SApony]

Maybe there will be a let down with the Miners who are playing a team without their #1 QB and RB.

Oh wait, I forgot how pumped up they were about the media guide.

[SMUltimedia]

At risk of being a sunshiner, I think Slater can do OK. Slater and Willis have different favorite receivers, so expect to see more of Bobby Chase, Kennedy and Rey Pellerin and less of Sanders. Look for a lot of DeMyron against an average run d.

UTEP has the worst pass D in C-USA, so Slater can have success.

I also think that losing Willis puts the older guys in a position to put this on their shoulders instead and prove themselves. I have faith in Joe, Bobby and Reynaldo.

PS - We beat these guys last year with Jerad Romo.