Grading the 2007 Mustangs

[Otto]

That is, perhaps, a backhanded compliment. But I'd make so bold as to rephrase to say this is "our best OL -- tackle to tackle -- post DP" (even though you could say that's a backhanded compliment too).

As has been pointed out, the OL is generally the same guys only a year older. But that's actually a fairly strong endorsement seeing as how in the bigger/deeper programs OLs don't usually start until they're upper classmen.

This year's OL features a couple of 500 lb. bench pressers (and several who are close) compared to the handful of 400 lb. bench pressers we started to get in the Faucette era, which is significantly better than the sub-400 lb-ers we had prior to Faucette. According to John Hampton, "As a senior, our team had the same number of players who could bench 400 pounds as this version has putting up 500."

I know, bench isn't the best indicator, but I think most would agree that this year's OL is bigger and more athletic. In '05, we had just one OL who could bench 400, and that was Justin Boren. My oh my, but we've come a long way strenght-wise in the last two years.

As much as we liked Darren Johnson as a person and as a physical specimen, he was just too nice. Ben Poynter, arguably the Mustangs best blocker last year and this, is significantly stronger than Johnson, moves much better and is, well, fierce. LT, IMHO, is going to be an upgrade.

Kenard Burley, at RT, has developed into a potential All C-USA player and pro prospect. RT is an upgrade.

Sean Lobo has possibly taken Tommy Poynter's left guard position, so that's probably an upgrade. Plus, Lobo won't be playing hurt this year.

At RG, veteran Caleb Peveto is back and won't be playing injured, so that's also an improvement.

The only possible question mark is sophomore Mitch Enright taking over at center for Ben Poynter. But Enright played in 5 games last year as a RS freshman, so he may not be quite up to the level of B. Poynter last year, but he's certainly capable and is getting good reviews.

And perhaps most importantly, for the first time in 20 years we have enough QUALITY depth on the OL to put together an honest to goodness 2nd team from tackle to tackle -- probably good enough to have been the starting unit in the past with Tommy Poynter (if he's not starting), Ross Nigh, Chase Smith, and Joe Holmes. Plus, we have a slew of even bigger kids (e.g. Josh LeRibeus) waiting in the wings.

We've got good size, better than average strength and tons of experience. Our kids have been pushed around for the last 20 years; I'm looking forward to being able to finally shove back. The improved OL, hopefully with Willis and Martin keeping DLs honest this year, should score no less than a solid B (and potentially much better). I'm actually pretty excited about this year's Mustang OL.

Outstanding post.
And dead-on, too.

[The PonyGrad]

Here is a perspective by looking at last years stats and considering that A means top 24, B 25-48, C 49-72, D 73-96, and E bottom 97-119.

Category 06 07 start to finish
Offense B- B- to B
QB A- A- to A
WR B- C+ to B (a lot of new players)
RB C- C+ to B (expect Martin to be much better)
TE B+ B- to B
OL D D+ to C (largerly hurt by sacks allowed)

Defense C- C- to C+ (hoping for a lot of develop thru the season)
DL A C to B+
LB C- D+ to C
DBs D D+ to C

Special Teams B B to B+
KR A- A- to A-
PR C+ c to B-
Punt A A to A+
FG B- B to B
KO B B to B

I am generally optimistic that the new players will develop in the system. Of course there is the possibility that injuries will cause some areas to migrate in the wrong direction. This is also the ratings of all Div 1-A teams. We would fare better in most categories with just looking at the conference.

[giacfsp]

I'm pretty fired up to see Berry, Parham, Leonard and "Power Serge" (nice headline, Webguys) in the middle. I'm cautiously much more optimistic than I was in the spring. Elizee is a big boost, of course, and it sounds like the other guys have come along.

[Stallion]

I'll throw out something to consider. With the weakness in this conference Rice had an average defense (and that is being kind-it really was well below average) in every category last year and somehow found a way to a bowl

[SMU Football Blog]

I'll throw out something to consider. With the weakness in this conference Rice had an average defense (and that is being kind-it really was well below average) in every category last year and somehow found a way to a bowl

With a harder nonconference schedule, and playing its last game with a backup QB. But I am not bitter.

[Stallion]

Check this out: Rice gave up over 30 points in 8 games. Rice gave up 26 or more in 11 games. What was Bennett's record when SMU scores 24 or more. But remember Rice pulled off something like 4-5 4th Q comebacks(you can correct me if I'm wrong but it is close to that. Rice's defense plainly sucked and somehow they finished 2nd so I'll admit it can happen. Don't count on it though.

[Col. Nathan R. Jessep]

Check this out: Rice gave up over 30 points in 8 games. Rice gave up 26 or more in 11 games. What was Bennett's record when SMU scores 24 or more. But remember Rice pulled off something like 4-5 4th Q comebacks(you can correct me if I'm wrong but it is close to that. Rice's defense plainly sucked and somehow they finished 2nd so I'll admit it can happen. Don't count on it though.

---

What's pathetic is that same Rice "suck" defense stopped us twice in the redzone & kept us from a bowl game (although I believe our OC did most of the damage).

[Stallion]

I'll stand by my Grading the 2007 Mustangs post. Yeah I missed the Won-Loss record at 6-6 but I think I did a good job of identifying the problem areas. With 3 last play OT losses, a mind numbing last minute loss at Tulsa and several other winnable losses I think I was much closer to reality than many-I think a B- grade to the Offense and C to every unit on Defense was a great guess but nobody really had a good grasp of how hard we would get hit with injuries on defense and unready physically some of the untested players, which we were counting on on defense, were going to be. Really I don't see how you can give the Defense anything other than an F as one of the worst units in the country.

[J.T.supporta]

MY GRADE: H+

H is for HORRIBLE...but they get a + because they did manage to win 1 game

[ccballer]

would be curious to see your unit by unit assessment...post season, that is.

[mustang06]

HERE WERE MY GRADES


These are my offensive grades going into the season. They are based on the first string players only. Agree or Disagree?

Offense
Quarterback- A-
Willis is a very solid QB that the team believes in.

Running Backs-B+
This grade could be higher or lower depending on whether DeMyron runs hard like he did as a freshman or tiptoes like he did last year.

Offensive Line- C
This is the best group that we have had in about 5 years, but they are still not overpowering.

Wide Recievers- B-
Sanders is great, but someone else needs to emerge as a threat.

Tight Ends- B
Chase is a big body that will help mostly as a blocker. McKinney has demonstrated explosiveness on Special Teams that needs to be utilized on Offense.

Defense
Cornerbacks C+
The combination of McCann, Jones, and Lindley will be OK. Overall this unit will be improved.

Safety C
Losing Sturdivant hurts, but Hudman is poised for a big year.

DLine C
Muse is a force if he is healthy and 5th year senior Charlie Berry will be a big difference maker, but the other End and Tackle are unproven.

Linebacker C-
McCray is a Senior and a very smart player, but he is a safety that was forced to play linebacker. Hawkins will be improved. Someone has to step up in the middle. Overall this unit is small and not very physical.

All this being said, I am optimistic that SMU will be bowl bound this year.

[mustang06]

Other than predicting a bowl game, I wasn't too far off.