Can an older ponyfan explain...?

[SMU2007]

So our last bowl game was in 1984 but the death penalty wasn't until 87. What happened in 85 and 86? Did our team underperform? Did we just lose too many guys? I guess there were fewer bowls then but I've always wondered what happened those 2 years.

[CalallenStang]

team was on probation

[Balatro Diabolus Ex]

We were on probation, no bowls, no games on TV, lost something like 30 scholarships. Couldnt give any scholarships in 86, and I believe only 15 the year after, something along those lines.

[smupony94]

I wonder if this can be updated to reflect Hawaii Bowl

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Methodist_University_football_scandal

[PK]

I wonder if this can be updated to reflect Hawaii Bowl

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Methodist_University_football_scandal

Can't anybody that wants to edit or add to a wikipedia item?

[huskerpony]

Someone already did. End of second paragraph under "fallout."

"In 2009, however, second-year coach June Jones led the Mustangs to their first bowl appearance in nearly a quarter-century; they will appear in the Hawaiʻi Bowl."

[smupony94]

Once again, it has been proven that I post prior to understanding what I am posting.

[carolina stang]

We were 6-5 both years. I don't think it was a given that we would have gone to a bowl without the probation. Although, I recall Houston and Arkansas each going somewhere at 6-5 in 1980-the Garden State or Cherry Bowl before they became defunct.

[SMU21TCU10]

werent we on probation for a year or two between 80-84 too?

[Stallion]

Yes we were on Probation in the year we won the SWC in 1981

[jtstang]

Somewhere I still have a 1981 SWC champs t-shirt that is now about 15 sizes too small.

[mrydel]

Somewhere I still have a 1981 SWC champs t-shirt that is now about 15 sizes too small.

If I recall that was a period of high inflation.

[Statler]

Somewhere I still have a 1981 SWC champs t-shirt that is now about 15 sizes too small.

I still have my coffee mug that Brad Thomas gave me...It never gets to small!