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I can’t say how enthused I am to have June Jones on the Hilltop. Of course, I was enthused when Phil Bennett came too. I believed he was the best hire since the Death Penalty. Alas, that bubble burst. His horrendous last season didn’t start with that year’s first football game. It actually began the season before when we lost the last game of the season to Rice. Rice went to a bowl good; we stayed at home.

Now enters Mr. Jones and I see the speculation on the message boards has begun. Justin Willis as a Heisman sleeper? Don’t count on it-he’ll be lucky to start. Jones made it quite clear at the introductory meetings that he’ll play his best players, regardless if they’re freshmen. The practice drill scouting report says the freshman quarterback looks great. That’s a real plus. Remember, he was recruited by Jones. Willis has been in the doghouse with disciplinary problems for years so don’t expect Jones to pick experience over performance. The knock on Willis last year was vocal. Even the radio guys and coaches said the offense had problems determining if Willis was going to run or pass on a play. Think Jones will put up with that? The problem may not necessarily be the quality of the players but the direction they’re given. Expect steady, consistent offensive schemes since all of Jones’ previous offensive coaches are in Dallas. Pity the quarterback that doesn’t follow directions (not!).

If you attended any of Jones’ coming out parties there was one thing glaringly apparent. He likes the kids coming in and gloated that several have the potential to turn pro. Except for one returning quarterback (not Willis) there wasn’t a peep about any of the other returning players.

Reports are that the players look “looseâ€

I loved your performance in Gone in 60 Seconds.

sphinx wrote: Justin Willis as a Heisman sleeper? Don’t count on it-he’ll be lucky to start.

I get the same feeling, I am thinking Willis is on the sideline in the opener.

So some think the team will win 3, maybe 4 games. The best prediction I’ve heard is .500. If expectations are that low than everyone should be happy by year’s end. Me? Based on Jones’ past performance, I’m the optimist.

You'd be better off having no expectations.

SMUtrojanFAN wrote:I loved your performance in Gone in 60 Seconds.

haha, me too

SMUtrojanFAN wrote:I loved your performance in Gone in 60 Seconds.

Oscar Winning Performance!

jtstang wrote:I get the same feeling, I am thinking Willis is on the sideline in the opener

JJ is all about accuracy. Willis' accuracy has always been underwhelming but not talentless. I would think that Willis with a little help from actual coaching could improve greatly.

Trust me, if Jones benches him, I will disagree with it. I think Willis gives SMU the best chance to win. But I have a feeling Jones will look elsewhere for a QB.

he could put jeff george in a pony costume for halloween and use him as peruna's butt on gameday, as long as he wins I won't question who is on the bench and/or the field.

72% 25 to 18 ...

sphinx wrote: The practice drill scouting report says the freshman quarterback looks great. That’s a real plus. Remember, he was recruited by Jones. Willis has been in the doghouse with disciplinary problems for years so don’t expect Jones to pick experience over performance. The knock on Willis last year was vocal. Even the radio guys and coaches said the offense had problems determining if Willis was going to run or pass on a play. Think Jones will put up with that? The problem may not necessarily be the quality of the players but the direction they’re given.

He likes the kids coming in and gloated that several have the potential to turn pro. Except for one returning quarterback (not Willis) there wasn’t a peep about any of the other returning players.

.

Welcome to Ponyfans but you don't have a clue as to what u are talking about!
Justin has put up some pretty good numbers as our QB, under a horrible coaching staff and with a very bad defense.

The numbers don't lie.
http://www.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=59014

Also, the guy paid for his mistake and its over. Let it go. Obviously coach Jones has moved on or Justin wouldn't be on the team. We don't need a true freshman starting at QB. Most true first year QB's don't do well as starters on the D1 level and that includes top 100 national QB's.

TheBestAvailable could be right on this, VY had a learning curve at Tx and
Casey Clausen(spelling) stank up the field at ND last year as a freshman. Willis averages were better his first year than last year , that is a team problem not a QB problem ie lack of time to get set, receivers not getting open , dropped balls

Its going to be a long season if Willis doesn't start-take it to the bank.

ozfan wrote:TheBestAvailable could be right on this, VY had a learning curve at Tx and
Casey Clausen(spelling) stank up the field at ND last year as a freshman. Willis averages were better his first year than last year , that is a team problem not a QB problem ie lack of time to get set, receivers not getting open , dropped balls

Casey played at Tennessee...you are referring to JIMMY Clausen