Worried about our defense.

[mrydel]

Jake Johnson was just sitting out there last year waiting for an offer. Surprised SMU didn't check him out. He's lost something like 60 pounds last year to get to 340 from what I've read. But seriously has anybody ever seen a taller and bigger line that Tech's-even in pro football?

I remember in the Pony Express days our line was bigger than the Cowboy's. This one seems to be very impressive. If they can move at all, and I have no reason to think they can't, they will be a tough group to crack.

[me@smu]

Not saying Tech's line will fall into this trap....but there are countless examples at all levels of football that a huge line doesn't necessarily mean jackall.

As for huge lineman...Miami has a OT Ian Symmonette who is supposed to be 6'9 roughly 370 (rivals list him at an inaccurate 338) and he can't break into the 2 deep. Big doesn't mean good!

[Pony4Life]

I read somewhere that some schools didn't recruit Jackson "because of academics" — I don't know if that deals with transfer hours, grades in JUCO, or what. I also don't know if SMU was one of the schools — just that academics were considered a close call with this guy by some schools.

[EastStang]

Fat, Drunk and Stupid is no way to go through life son.

Dean Woemer. Animal House

[Stallion]

in other words he was a spring semester JUCO that had to graduate from JC to be eligible. SMU doesn't take those kids. I'd like to point out 3 of our opponents had no problem with offering him a scholarship and another Tech had no problem admitting him to school-originally as a walk-on. Advantage opponents. The kid is a walkon in name only-he had about 6 options and I bet he is aleady on scholarship after one opened up at the start of fall camp. 3 star.

[jtstang]

Stallion if you don't watch what you are posting, people are going to begin to think you want SMU to recruit on a level playing field with its competition.

[gostangs]

Just FYI - I am optimistic on the year - but it is likely we will not know much about the team this year after Tech. They will hang 40 on us easy, but it might be that we have a decent defense relative to our conference - we just won't know - thier o line with thier qb - they will have time to do what they want. We will score a few also (at least one kick runback predicited here) - but won't keep up.

We come back to beat UNT by 30, and then the real season starts.

[westexSMU]

I'm going to go ahead and say I think our offense will be our best in years. Alot faster/stronger running game and pretty good depth at RB. More accurate/maturity at QB and improved offensive line. Some real talent at WR and TE...............Defense ?.......... The secondary should be better than last year and, barring further injury, should continue to improve with more experience. Linebackers ? SMU has some quick small good experienced LB's but who replaces Carrington ? The D line is the real question mark. Elgibility, injuries, and inexperience provide challenges. Only time will tell.....The guys are working hard and their work is appreciated. Hopefully it will pay off this year on defense also.

[Col. Nathan R. Jessep]

Just FYI - I am optimistic on the year - but it is likely we will not know much about the team this year after Tech. They will hang 40 on us easy, .

GoStangs, how do you figure the "40" & remain optimistic?

Over the last couple of years, even with our previous young immature "D" they don't put up those numbers on us.

Unlike last year, TT does have to play against a much improved Pony offense. Anyone who sat thru last year's debacle in Lubbock knows that the Burns/Bennett play calling was timid with the FR Willis.