Honest Question: What if we lose? Poll

[BRStang]

I'm not trying to be overly pessimistic (although I am predicting a loss), but I just want to gauge the majority sentiment on this board towards Phil Bennett. And don't try to lump me in with others who are perpetually negative--at the beginning of the season, I was very optimistic about our chances to break out this year, but as always my hopes have been dashed by the ugly reality and bad luck that continues to define SMU football. There's simply no way to wash away that NTSU stench. An ASU win could be a shot of cologne, and 3 in a row could be a bar of soap. But...

How big an effect will a loss this week have on the morale of the team, the coaches and the fans? After all, this soft schedule was SMU's chance to find a boot-strap out of the cellar. 2-2 at this point is light-years away from 1-3, in my opinion. This is a MUST WIN, not just for this season, but for the coming years.

So, what happens to PB if we lose this weekend? Did he earn his place back in the hearts of those on this board after the trouncing of mighty SHSU? Does Orsini can him next week or let him finish out the season?

If history tells us anything, we'll lose this weekend--hence my prediction. Here's to the hope, though, that we don't screw up this one chance to get the season back on track.

[covok48]

I'd say he'll get fired after the Tulane game. By then, there will be no way to salvage the season and no amount of talk without action will change that.

[Stallion]

this is a university not a pro football team. You shouldn't fire coaches during the season.

[BRStang]

FYI--I tried to add an option to the poll for the perpetual sunshiners, but it submitted before I was ready. It would have read:

"SMU goes undefeated in conference play, and PB is given an indefinite extension and named Coach for Life."

[mrydel]

I am less concerned as to when a coach, when deserved, is fired, as long as hiring is not done until after the season when the best crop of coaches is avaiable. Of course, if Knute were to rise from the dead in mid season, it might warrant consideration.

[ponyplayer]

you simply can not win on this board..............................

[PonySnob]

this is a university not a pro football team. You shouldn't fire coaches during the season.

What about a "vote of confidence" by the AD?

[Pony4Life]

you simply can not win on this board..............................

Sad but true.

[PK]

.. as long as hiring is not done until after the season when the best crop of coaches is avaiable.

Let me understand this...we would want to pick from the best crop of fired coaches??? Why not select from the best crop of employed coaches like we did for basketball? That can be done at any time. We may have to wait for the end of the season to get him on campus, but please let's not go after those just fired.

[PlanoStang]

this is a university not a pro football team. You shouldn't fire coaches during the season.

What about a "vote of confidence" by the AD?

That would be "vote of confidence" by the AD #2. AKA strike 2.

Get over NTSU, and hope for another UAB. Against Tulane, or maybe
even again vs. UAB. If we go 4 - 8 or so, then we start thinking, and
acting about shopping for a new coach at the sound of the gun at the
Rice game.

Guess we give Bennett 4 strikes. Hey, we gave him an 0 - 12 season.






When having nightmares about SMU's offense, I keep hearing a
computerized voice saying "PULL UP...PULL UP ":!: Oh yeah, vertical passing O

[mrydel]

.. as long as hiring is not done until after the season when the best crop of coaches is avaiable.

Let me understand this...we would want to pick from the best crop of fired coaches??? Why not select from the best crop of employed coaches like we did for basketball? That can be done at any time. We may have to wait for the end of the season to get him on campus, but please let's not go after those just fired.

No. Good coaches that are successful are not going to leave their team in the middle of the season. At year end everyone, fired, retired, ones with contract extensions, ones with contracts ending, etc. are all available. Right now only TV commentators and as Stallion would say, grandpapis are available.

[smupony94]

Seriously, why has Stallion;s name not been mention as a replacement for Bennett?

[mrydel]

I think Stallion and Bennett are the same person.

[couch 'em]

Orsini said himself that if he ever needs to make a coaching change, he will do it when a replacement is available. I take that to mean that he'll fire Bennett midseason if that is what he needs to bring in a top shelf coach.