Matt Davis Appreciation Thread

[PerunaPunch]

First, let me echo the Pony Nation's appreciation to Matt Davis for coming to SMU and being a leader to help turn this thing around. If we can finally move beyond the shadow of the Death Penalty, his contribution will be immeasurable in my eyes.

But if Davis did somehow get a 6th year, and Coach Morris did indicate that they were going to apply for one, I can't see how the Mustangs won't be a better team with a former starter competing for his old job back next year. Hicks, Colbert and 2 bonafide blue chip QBs competing and Brewer redshirting? Seriously?!? That's a PonyFan's dream come true!! That's the first time a generation we've had quality depth at that most crucial position.

Guys, I was in the press box at the Cotton Bowl that fateful day when Ramon Flannigan went down for the season on our first possession of the year. I remember looking over at my wife and saying, "Well, there goes the season" as I mentally and symbolically tossed our season tickets into the dumpster. We never want to go back to those days. We want Matt back competing for the starting QB job. If he can rehab and come back, it makes us a better team.

[RGV Pony]

ACL tears usually do not take that long to heal - was there another injury as well?

Best of luck in recovery Matt!

While it's no longer a full year as it used to be, its still months of rehab after reconstruction.

Now for the appreciation. Matt is a damn warrior. From the minute he first took the field for SMU, he's been running for his life, making plays with his feet. Hard to fault him for getting a quick trigger for pulling the ball down and running. Favorite Matt moment for me will be the first play of last year's Baylor game.

[deucetz]

Thanks for putting in all the hard work Matt. It was great following your journey at SMU. I hope you heal fast and good luck with everything.

[mrydel]

I think Adrian Peterson was the exception to the ACL rule. All I ever hear is 1 year or more although some people recover more quickly.

I too have enjoyed watching Matt and appreciate him adopting us as his team. Nice to know we have capable back ups but his excitement, even when unwarranted at times was fun to watch. I echo RGV on the Baylor play.

[ojaipony]

I'm a huge Matt Davis fan. Sure, he misses a lot of reads but (for this team at this time) he's the MVP. The most dynamic player we have (yes, better than Courtland bc he requires someone to throw him the ball).

Having said that, if we have any chance in hell in reaching a bowl game (or even getting to 4 wins), we are going to have to see a hell of a lot of improvement in Ben Hicks. Given that he's a freshman, I'm very doubtful (and yes I understand he's been here now for 2 springs and 2 summers but nothing replaces game time experience - he's ok, but not great, to begin with). I'm very skeptical about him doing anything for us this year (huge leadership vacuum now on a team that was hard to find one to begin with . . . ironically, I think our defense has 1 or 2 but on offense Matt was IT). If Hicks was just MEDIOCRE (not downright dreadful), we could have beaten Baylor or come very very close (and I've watched the game twice now: instead of a pick 6, now they are down to 33 points and maybe we go up 7 more so that's 33-20, another redzone turnover so then potentially 33-27 and given how much that could have sparked us maybe we win it . . . and even if they just turned into field goals, that's 33-19 worst case . . . now, of course, that's not saying Baylor would not have scored another TD anyway to get up to 40 regardless but you see my point).

Anyway, it's a huge deal losing Matt for this season. Really hope he can bounce back and play next year.

[Stallion]

there was no way SMU was beating Baylor in Waco-Come on-and we are not just a QB away from anything but mediocre

34-7 in Second Half-even 8 minutes 19 play drives in first half. Baylor did what quality teams do against inferior competition-they woke up. Same thing happened last year against Baylor-against TCU. That's doesn't mean our 2-10 program is comparable yet to TCU or Baylor

for every poor SMU play I could come up with a play that Baylor could have capitalized on in the first half. QB missed many easy throws and their WR Lynch should have walked in for a TD. While we were competitive in first haf on Defense-we definitely weren't in the 2nd half-they piled on the yardage in second half

[RGV Pony]

Im having a hard time extracting appreciation for MD from your brief.

Rather than enter a final grade, I'm willing to give you an "I" while you reformulate your post. You may then submit for reconsideration.

[PonyPride]

CHAD MORRIS SAID TUESDAY that Davis would like to receive a sixth year, if it is granted, and that SMU is fully prepared to file the necessary paperwork to request it.

[SmooBoy]

CHAD MORRIS SAID TUESDAY that Davis would like to receive a sixth year, if it is granted, and that SMU is fully prepared to file the necessary paperwork to request it.

This is great news! He's such a positive role model for the team, and anything he can add next year is a bonus. Hopefully, the surgery is successful and the recovery even better.

[West Coast Johnny]

He should get another year if he wants it. Is this his second serious leg injury? Might want to hang up the spikes.

[78pony]

God bless, Matt. You are a Mustang now and forever!

[Big Hoss]

You can question whether he has the stuff to be the right QB, but you couldn't question the kid's heart. He made us better, period. I hated to hear that he was out for the season, for him more so than our football team.

Speedy recovery Matt. Thanks for giving us your best.

[SMUer]

Pure, jaw-dropping athleticism on the field...

[PlanoStang]

You remind me totally of Ramon Flannigan, maybe better at running, and I pray you have a
complete recovery

I'm probably a bit selfish hoping you will still want to play a final season with the work
and pain you will go through rebuilding your knee.

If you still have that football desire, SMU football will have improved major league proportions
by fall 2017. Our offense needs a dual threat like you.

[mtrout]

Games are way less fun without him on the field.