Texas Tech Blog Preview of SMU

[PonyKai]

Nothing earthshattering... always nice to have something new to scan over though.

By Seth C Section: Football
Posted on Wed Jun 27, 2007 at 06:41:17 AM EDT

Team: SMU Mustangs

Conference: Conference USA - West

Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas

2006 Record: 6-6 (4-4)

Coach: Phil Bennett

2007 Schedule:

Date Opponent
09.03 Texas Tech
09.08 North Texas
09.15 @ Arkansas State
09.22 @ TCU
09.29 UTEP
10.13 Southern Mississippi
10.20 Tulane
10.27 @ Tulsa
11.04 @ Houston
11.10 Rice
11.17 UCF
11.24 @ Memphis

In no particular order, 5 players of interest from SMU:

1. DeMyron Martin, RB, Jr.: Martin was injured early in the season and led the team in rushing despite only playing 7 games for the Ponies. Much of SMU's success will depend upon SMU developing a consistent running threat and Martin is the clubhouse leader. SMU's biggest problem is that, as a team, they only rushed for 7 rushing touchdowns all year. Given SMU's fairly weak rushing attack (Willis excluded) this should be a team that Tech dominates up front and this game may be a nice litmus test for Tech's future performance against the run. In other words, Tech needs to dominate SMU's run game right out of the gate. Martin's a big back (6'2"/230) who can more than handle 25 carries a game for the Mustangs, but Bennett must be willing to commit to the run game first.
2. Corey Muse, DE, Sr.: Muse is the most effective returning pass rusher for SMU and this is a team that held its opponents to 107 yards rushing per game and were fairly aggressive pass rushers as well (see exceptionally interesting stat below). It will be interesting to see how Tech's new offensive line will handle Muse. Muse had 6 sacks and will need to anchor a defensive line where he's the only returning starter (sound familiar?). The smart money is on teams to look to control Muse and as a result DE Patrick Handy and Charlie Berry will have to contribute more than they did last year.
3. Justin Willis, QB, So.: The unquestioned leader of this team and had an incredibly productive year for a freshman quarterback. I recall watching Willis play on that televised game between Denton-Ryan and Soutlake Carroll and thought that this kid might not be major college material, but he's just the type of quarterback that could go to a school rung below and make a difference. Willis threw for 2,047 yards, 26 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions and he rushed for 354 and 3 rushing scores. He was a one man show for this SMU offense. Once again, it will be interesting to see how this Tech offense deals with a quarterback who can run (Isn't it ironic that he played against Chase Daniels in the aforementioned game?) and is efficient throwing the ball. Remember, Willis only had 69 passing yards last year in his first collegiate game against Tech (I think he split time with a guy named Slater), not pretty, but he improved as the year progressed.
4. Emanuel Sanders, WR, So.: SMU has another outstanding sophomore in wide receiver Sanders, 46 receptions for 605 yards and 9 touchdowns. Not necessarily a game breaker (only 13.2 yards per reception), but is certainly more than capable making plays for the Ponies. Once again, it will be a great opening season test for the Red Raiders and this defensive backfield which may be the strongest suit for this Tech defense.
5. Damon Hurst, MLB, Sr.: Hurst has to step into the role vacated by Reggie Carrington who recently left the team according to Coach Mustache. SMU was counting heavily on Carrington to lead the Mustangs, but now Hurst, who has a career 8 tackles for his career is leading this team. Without a doubt, Tech has got to take advantage of an apparent weak spot in the linebacking corp and should Woods get back in the good graces of Coach Leach, I'd look for Captain Mike to exploit the middle of the field.

Key Mustang Statistics:

* 27.08: The Ponies ranked 40th nationally in scoring last year.
* 22.95: Behind Emanuel Sanders SMU ranked 21st nationally in kickoff returns.
* .08: On the positive side of turnover margin and 51st nationally.
* 7.17: 12th in the nation in tackles for loss.
* 2.67: 100th in the nation in sacks allowed.

[LonghornFan68]

7.17: 12th in the nation in tackles for loss.

Holy crap. That's impressive. I had no idea.

[mrydel]

7.17: 12th in the nation in tackles for loss.

Holy crap. That's impressive. I had no idea.

Hopefully that is not one of our offensive stats.

[J.T.supporta]

ESPN.coms Mark Schlabach considers this one of this upcoming seasons Intriguing games...not the best write up for it though.


Texas Tech at SMU, Sept. 3 (4 p.m., ESPN)
Before the Tennessee Titans used the "Music City Miracle" to beat the Buffalo Bills in the 2000 NFL playoffs, SMU used the exact same play to defeat Texas Tech and remain undefeated during the 1982 season. The Mustangs, led by running backs Eric Dickerson and Craig James, were ranked No. 2 in the country with a 9-0 record. But with 17 seconds to go, the Red Raiders kicked a field goal to tie the score at 27-27. Texas Tech tried to squib the kickoff to run out the clock, but Blane Smith fielded the football after bobbling it. He turned and fired a pass across the field to Bobby Leach, who ran 91 yards down the sideline for a game-winning touchdown. The Pony Express won the game, 34-27, and the play became known as the "Miracle on Fourth Avenue." SMU tied Arkansas the following week to win the Southwest Conference title and then beat Pittsburgh (and quarterback Dan Marino) 7-3 in the Cotton Bowl. The Mustangs finished 11-0-1 and No. 2 in the country. Five years later, SMU received the death penalty from the NCAA. A quarter-century later, the Mustangs are still recovering from one of the harshest penalties in college sports history.

[ALEX LIFESON]

Thanks to the moderators, for the much needed board enema.

[mr. pony]

Dallas Morning News writer Chip Brown has SMU over Tech as his upset of the year by a Texas school. (2007 Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine, p. 26.)

[ponyte]

Dallas Morning News writer Chip Brown has SMU over Tech as his upset of the year by a Texas school. (2007 Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine, p. 26.)

I do so hope that Chip is clairvoyant.

[westexSMU]

[quote="LonghornFan68"][quote]7.17: 12th in the nation in tackles for loss. [/quote]

Holy crap. That's impressive. I had no idea.[/quote].............It does not mean much this year as SMU must replace all DL/DE starters except for DE Muse. There is a rumor also that 2nd team DE Kyle Griffin has been advised by a doctor to quit football because of injuries. With LB Carrington also leaving, we need alot of new guys to step up.