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According the ESPN. SMU has the #2 passing leader for the conference, #3 rushing leader the conference, & #1 receiving leader the conference. Not bad.

And in CUSA, SMU is dead last in 3rd down conversions.

#1 in total turnovers (11) and turnover margin (+5).

#2 in time of possession (32:32). This one is mildly shocking.

#1 in punt returns.

We have a tie at #3 for most tackles (Kennemer).

#1 individual interceptions (Dennis with 3)

Also, we have the longest FG and punt return.

Fun stuff to browse.

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/c-u ... BStats.pdf

ponyte wrote:And in CUSA, SMU is dead last in 3rd down conversions.
#1 in total turnovers (11) and turnover margin (+5).
#2 in time of possession (32:32). This one is mildly shocking.
#1 in punt returns.
We have a tie at #3 for most tackles (Kennemer).
#1 individual interceptions (Dennis with 3)
Also, we have the longest FG and punt return.
Fun stuff to browse.
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/c-u ... BStats.pdf

SMU's being last in 3rd down conversion is one part all those dropped passes vs. SFA and the other part taking 2 downs or less to get a 1st down...can't have 3rd down conversion % if you never get to 3rd down. The TOP doesn't seem as surprising when you consider how many chances to score the D has given the O with turnovers.

That said, I don't like the turnover stat. Yeah, SMU has 11 and is +5, but that means that they gave up 6. And as I recall, 5 of those 6 resulted in scores. What will be scary is when the D plays like it has been, and the offense clicks on all cylinders with no turnovers. That'll result in a 50-60 pt differential in score and Jones is picked on for running it up. Ah...to dream...

We have punted the ball 15 times in two games. Only Memphis has punted more (17). That is 7.5 punts a game or basically 2 punts per quarter. That is too many punts.

If we punt then we failed to convert on 3rd down. Successful 3rd down conversions are how one keeps drives alive and places pressure on the opponents D. It doesn’t matter if the ball is dropped or the pass is errant, if we fail to convert, we end our best scoring opportunity.

This is a very concerning aspect of the offense to me. Our 3rd down conversion failure has been consistent regardless of our foe. And it scares me if we can't convert 3rd downs against the two opponents we have faced, what is in store for us in the future.

Consistency on Offense includes consistently converting 3rd downs.