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With players reporting and no losses to worry about, SMU has a lot of reasons to be happy about this season and our future, including:

+ Bennett and his staff are generating confidence with their recruiting and strategy to return to our traditions of success
+ A terrific, on-campus stadium with its state of the art turf and capacity that can be expanded for our renewal and the demands of a top 25 team.
+ Reinvigorated recruiting and on campus camps showcasing the schools and facilities
+ Demanding and increased strength of schedule Out of Conference games. Win these games against BCS schools and we capture national attention.
+ The real possibility of a better conference situation with a regional concentration of good rivalries either in WAC East or Conference USA West.

With more wins, we increase our visibility and attractiveness to conferences, recruits, students, alumni and media.

With practice starting, we are entitled to take some pride and pleasure out of all we have done. I know we will be wringing our hands after the first loss, but I like our situation and future. It's great to be a Pony! Go Mustangs! Go Blue and Red!

[This message has been edited by Water Pony (edited 08-04-2003).]

Not a bad summary of our situation. I feel optimism as a "break out" team with a shot at a winning record in 2003. Many expect bigger things in '04, but 2003 will be more defining of our program, Coach Bennett and our future as a Top 40 Program and beyond.

<A HREF="http://www.collegefootballnews.com/wac/2003_Previews/SMU%20Preview.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.collegefootballnews.com/wac/2003_Previews/SMU%20Preview.htm</A>

I'll be thrilled with 6-6 this year. Next year, we really make waves!

Well, the article had a positive spin in a way, but in the margin they predict a 2-10 season for us. Ouch, even if it is just a prediction. Also, they say Shan the Man is returning, but he is not. My prediction is 5-7, which isnt bad based on the schedule. We don't play any Ohio States, but its fairly challenging.

True, no Ohio States, but Boise State and Oklahoma State could be really rough.

It says ShanD is back.. is he?

I didn't think so. What is the real answer?

I guess the only person who knows for absolute certainty is ShanD.

However, I've heard from many that SDC may be done. Take that for what it's worth. I haven't talked to him personally and I haven't spoken with his doctor, but I think the handwriting is on the wall.

I'll ask at Media Day Saturday, but I imagine I'll get the same politically correct answer from the coaches. It'll be interesting to see if he's still on the roster, since NCAA caps practice at 105 kids and we'll be over that shortly when everyone reports.