Does anybody think we can beat La Tech?

[Sam I Am]

We are on the eve of going 0-10 for the first time in school history. SMU is a 20 point underdog to La Tech. Apart from wishful thinking and old school loyalty, does anybody really think we can win? If so, how?

[ponyte]

I believe it can happen. For a change our defense is coming off a pretty good effort. And that included pass defense. A small confidence builder and it might be enough. Phillps has a little more experience and hoepfully a little more savy. That may be enough. La Tech hasn't exactly set the world on fire so they could be a little over confident . And over confidence against a team that has a little confidence and hopefully a little hunger could surprise the Dogs. It could happen.

[Diehard Pony]

Kinkade up the middle combined with Chris Phillips illusiveness (roll outs, etc) could provide the combination against the worst statisitical defense in D-I. That could could keep their very stout offense off the field. The combination has possibilities.

[Sam I Am]

OK, I'll go along with SMU having improved on defense and might be able to play ball control on offense with KK and a running QB. Can our defensive decondary hold up to McCown's passing attack? When we have been beaten badly it has been through the air.

[Diehard Pony]

Originally posted by Sam I Am:
OK, I'll go along with SMU having improved on defense and might be able to play ball control on offense with KK and a running QB. Can our defensive decondary hold up to McCown's passing attack? When we have been beaten badly it has been through the air.

Despite improved play in the secondary (which didn't take much), I don't see our secondiary play against their receivers and McGown as the key. Once again, it will come down to whether we can control the ball and keep their offense off the field. A turnover or two may be necessary as well.

<small>[ 11-07-2003, 08:32 PM: Message edited by: Diehard Pony ]</small>

[PonySnob]

At this point does it really matter if we win or lose? 1-11 or 2-10 isn't really any better than 0-12. If we are only going to win one game this year, I would want it to be against TCU.

[Stallion]

Yes it matters-definitely for the confidence of Phillips and to give Bennett some argument that things haven't bottomed out. One of the biggest wins in Ron Meyer's career was beating Arkansas when they entered the game 2-8.

[Buddha]

Stallion's right - if COURSE it matters.

And yes, it can be done. We showed last week that with some takeaways and stiff defense, we can hang around in a game, and while our offense has struggled this year, LaTech's defense also is dead last in the country. We're cracking the 20-point plateau for the first time this week. And the boys are coming home with a win!

SMU 23
LaTech 17

[methodistmustang]

I agree with you Buddha in everything except your score prediction. if we are going to win LaTech will have to be held under 17 points. I don't know if we can score 20 points, but in order to win we'll need around 20 points. If we win it will probably be something like 17-10. Look for an ugly game with some big plays by Phillips and KK and a stellar defensive performance by SMU. Luke will have to be shut down. There is no margin for error for us. Here are the keys:
4 quarters of SMU football...last week we only got 2 and a half.