Such a tough loss today

[tbmustangs]

Just got done listening to the game on the Internet.  SMU lost 27-31.

SOOOOOOOOOOO frustrating.  Frustrating that they lost, and frustrating how they lost.

First on how they lost.  They were winning at halftime, 24-17.  It was a nice comeback from being down 0-17.  But, they had a 1st and goal on the 1 right before the half, and had to settle for a field goal (4 lost points).  Then, in the 3rd quarter after giving up a touchdown, they had another 1st and goal at the 1 (65 yard run to the 1), they had to settle for a field goal, again! (4 more lost points, 8 total).  

In 1997 SMU was 6-4 going into their last game, and faced TCU who was 0-10.  One win would have given them a bowl birth.  They lost and did not go to a bowl.  Since that time SMU has wallowed, and TCU has taken off and been to a bowl every year since with one exception.  That sets up this year where SMU was 6-5 going into today (as you know), and needing a win to assure them a bowl bid.  They lost again.  A bowl bid is still possible, though I would think unlikely.

It is HARD to continue following SMU football.  They have a lot of young guys, 6-6 was not a horrible season, and there is good reason to think next year they could be even better.  But, just like in each of the previous 14 seasons of following SMU football closely, the conclusion of this year is, "Next Year."

Arrgghh.

BUT...The team is showing signs of improvement. The program is making progress. A critical achievement will be in locking in a good recruiting class this year. It is a must to build on the existing talent level.

There is NO reason why SMU should not be competing for a conference championship in Conf. USA EVERY year. The school has far too much going for it to not be more competitive.

SMU football class of 2007, thank you. You have made the program better. Now it is up to the rest of the team (INCLUDING the coaching staff) to take the program to conference championships and top 25 rankings.

[thefamousguy]

I agree but 6-6 is horrible considering the schedule. We are losing some of our best players this year and next year's schedule is more difficult. Doesn't look good right now!

[tbmustangs]

Absolutely right about the schedule. This year should have been in the 8-4 range, at least.

Optimism is a challenge tight now.

Orisini will now doubt be expecting better than this. And, Orisini, the basketball program's direction, and the Athletic Dept. appearing to have a clue for the first time in a long time (note Copeland's tenure and the concurrent void of NCAA tournament and bowl appearances) are reasons for hope, if not optimism. We'll see,