Preseason Report Card

[giacfsp]

When is an opportune time to fumble???

If Willis drops the game ball on his way to the lockeroom after at C-USA championship win, I'll find it in my heart to forgive him.

-CoS

HA! You and me both.

I disagree about the secondary - I like the Lindley/McCann/Jones trio, plus there's a lot of good things being said about Tim Crosby and A'Darius Medford, among others. I think KJ Ellis will be a nice backup to either Hudman or Dennis/Haynes, and Tyler Jones allegedly came a very long way in the spring (although I confess I didn't watch him).

Linebacker and DT is where I'm nervous.

[The PonyGrad]

No one is saying much about the special teams but our punting and returns should do well. Expecially when you consider the new rule for KOs or is that the following year?

[smu diamond m]

The new rule is this year. It puts K Cunningham in an interesting predicament, don't be surprised if T Morstead is covering all kicking duties this year.

[abezontar]

When is an opportune time to fumble???

If Willis drops the game ball on his way to the lockeroom after at C-USA championship win, I'll find it in my heart to forgive him.

-CoS

HA! You and me both.

I disagree about the secondary - I like the Lindley/McCann/Jones trio, plus there's a lot of good things being said about Tim Crosby and A'Darius Medford, among others. I think KJ Ellis will be a nice backup to either Hudman or Dennis/Haynes, and Tyler Jones allegedly came a very long way in the spring (although I confess I didn't watch him).

Linebacker and DT is where I'm nervous.

I'm nervous about the entire defense based on what we saw from the secondary last year, and lost on the front four. Add to that the fact that I can't remember Bennett ever making an adjustment on defense to play to the strengths of the kids he has....I'm afraid we are going to give up a lot of points.

[chillinfool]

The offense will be fine and the key to the defense will be pressure on the QB, which means Bennett needs to incorporate some blitz packages. Replacing Carrington will be a big key, but I think one of the young guys will step up.

The special teams should do well also, especially if Henderson gets back to where he was last year. And Morestead is quality.

I believe Givens has a good chance of a breakout year at WR since he came on at the end of last year and the defenses will now be keying on Sanders since he did breakout last year and is getting all the preseason pub, not to mention it helps that Givens is rooming with Willis this season.

Willis will have a good season but may not post as good of numbers as last season since I am hoping the 'Stangs will be more balanced and can rely less on the passing game. I do know Willis likes Enright at center, Enright snaps the ball quick and is basically the same height as Willis so Willis can see down field easier than last year so that is a plus.

I may be a bit of a homer but I am predicting a 9-4 record, which is including a bowl win.

[PonySnob]

No one is saying much about the special teams but our punting and returns should do well. Expecially when you consider the new rule for KOs or is that the following year?

Any idea who the special teams coach is this year?

[PerunaPunch]

I'd like to chime in on this one.

First, I pretty much echo everything that PonyFan sez. He is "da man".

Second while I'm just as giddy about everyone's favorite QB as the rest of the Pony Nation, I give Willis a B+. He coulda earned an easy A in my book had he not had to sit the UTEP game last season -- that cost us a bowl bid. Even after that, I'm not sure the lesson has sunk in. We'll see.

Jury is still out on Martin too. I've seen more "great" RBs come up flat (Charles, Massey) than come back from issues and injuries. If Martin comes back to his freshman form, it should be a pleasant surprise rather than an expectation.

Moving Lowery back to WR will pay dividends, but once again, the Mustangs are trotting out a pip-squeak squad of WRs with the departure of B. Chase, Cleveland and Pellerin. Sanders will look like a giant at maybe 6'. If Givens progresses, we could have something there. But I like the idea of getting McKinney into the mix. Worse case scenario is he'll scare the livin' daylights out of the opposing DBs, and imagine the damage he'd do as a downfield blocker.

Joe Sawyer could mold Oompa Loompas into a solid DL. That being said, is Charlie Berry serious enough about playing football to get the job done as a starter? Does he have the intensity? Our mix of DLs may be pedestrian, but I think they'll be able to get the job done -- at least in conference.

Losing Carrington really bums me out. Seriously, when was the last time the Mustangs really had a true brick wall run stopper at linebaker? Chris Bordano I guess??

I evidently have less concern than everyone else about our DBs. Last years group was inexperienced (except for Sturdivant). We do finally have some size, and a lot of speed and athleticism. I think they'll be able to hang with everyone but TTech.

[SMUtrojanFAN]

he did have a propensity to fumble the ball at inopportune moments, something I hope he corrects this year.

Ditto.

And just for clarification, can you name a QB who fumbles at opportune times? When is an opportune time to fumble??? (Just busting your chops, of course. )

It's opportune when the other team's QB fumbles the ball.

[Stallion]

If Givens isn't availiable to streatch the field then the WRs could be in real trouble-we've seen that scenario many times over the last few years where defenses bunch up for the underneath pass. I think I've always been Lowery's biggest fan at WR on this board. Don't understand why he wasn't starting or playing more 2 years ago and believe if given the chance could be another field streatcher. Henderson's moving to Receiver too. Someone among Givens, Lowery or Henderson has got to step up-all are questionmarks right now. These WRs right now for example do not provide the down field potential of say UH last year or this year. If you want to see this offense go like it can then that's the sticking point

[George S. Patton]

I do think we will find out how much Justin Willis has matured by distributing the ball to burners, possession receivers and also his check downs with his RBs.

Can't remember how we did with screens off opposing blitzes, but if it's blocked correctly, that play can almost guarantee 20-25 yards.

Just wondering on the deep threat that if Givens is not up to par because of the lingering effects of his illness would Burley be thrown into the mix. The man runs a 4.5 40 and has a 37-inch vertical leap.

[PonyFan]

.... Just wondering on the deep threat that if Givens is not up to par because of the lingering effects of his illness would Burley be thrown into the mix. The man runs a 4.5 40 and has a 37-inch vertical leap.

Doubt it -- He also has added a lot of muscle, is coming off knee surgery and wasn't there talk of moving to tight end?

[Stallion]

doubt he ever ran a 4.5 otherwise most programs wouldn't have ever talked about moving him to TE-which most planned to do.

[George S. Patton]

Didn't know about the injury. Thought that was his brother. Maybe I was thinking somebody else.

As for his time, just going by what the bio said on the web site. In any event, you do need that game breaker.

[PonySnob]

Didn't know about the injury. Thought that was his brother. Maybe I was thinking somebody else.

As for his time, just going by what the bio said on the web site. In any event, you do need that game breaker.

He tore up a knee in the annual "Pony Bowl" that was held after the end of last season. Hopefully he will be cleared to participate in the upcoming August workouts.

[PonySnob]

[quote="PonyFan]Doubt it -- He also has added a lot of muscle, is coming off knee surgery and wasn't there talk of moving to tight end?[/quote]

Hopefully if he is moved, it turns out better than the Chris Philips move to TE!