RICE VS SMU

by **ponydawg** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 9:56 am

We know SMU lost 2 games in OT by 3 and 7 points, and then lost 3 games by 6, 1, and 3 points. But I wasn't aware that Rice lost 4 games by 2, 3, 5, and 8 points which could have made them 7-5 if things would have gone their way. I know, woulda coulda shoulda. Unfortunately, I think a lot of the fans here justify to themselves that we are better than we actually are because of these 5 close games that we couldn't finish - I am sure Rice fans are doing the same thing with their close losses. This game is going to be huge, certainly not attendance wise, but it will be a big statement for either program. Both teams have new coaches (1st and 2nd year), plenty of returning starters, and 1,500 fans with hope of a new era. My fear is that if we lose this first conference/season game of the year that it will make that much harder for the players to shake the losing mentality.....but I guess that's why JJ gets paid 2 mil a year.

50 Days To Go
Pony Up!

by **Stallion** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:02 am

I believe also I read they averaged 43 points per game in the final 4 games.

by **SMU Football Blog** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:06 am

Look. SMU should beat Rice every year. Better facilities and bigger school. However, it hasn't happened. SMU hasn't won at Rice since the 80's. We can't take Rice lightly.

That being said, Rice screwed up when Todd Graham left and hired a lousy coach on the cheap. I know people that know Bailiff well as a person and as a coach and they all say he is a great guy but not cut out to be a head coach.

I think Rice is trending downward.

by **ponydawg** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:08 am

Looks like we averaged 35.5 points a game our last 4 games and that half a point is always hard to get. They should have the advantage there since most of the offense is returning, their star qb and wr are returning, and they have a whole season under their belt with the head coach and offensive playbook.

I can't wait.

by **ponydawg** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:09 am

SMU Football Blog wrote:he is a great guy but not cut out to be a head coach.

Sounds vaguely familiar.....

by **couch 'em** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:10 am

SMU Football Blog wrote: I know people that know Bailiff well as a person and as a coach and they all say he is a great guy but not cut out to be a head coach.

Sounds familiar.

by **ponydawg** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:13 am

couch 'em wrote:
SMU Football Blog wrote: I know people that know Bailiff well as a person and as a coach and they all say he is a great guy but not cut out to be a head coach.

Sounds familiar.

Sounds familiar.

by **RGV Pony** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:14 am

ponydawg wrote:
couch 'em wrote:
SMU Football Blog wrote: I know people that know Bailiff well as a person and as a coach and they all say he is a great guy but not cut out to be a head coach.

Sounds familiar.

Sounds familiar.

y'know, all of is starting to sound ominously familiar.

by **SMU Football Blog** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:15 am

Stallion wrote:I believe also I read they averaged 43 points per game in the final 4 games.

Playng (in order) the 117th, 116th, 87th and 108th ranked defenses the last four weeks of the season gives you an opportunity to do that. Of course, their fewest points came against Tulane, which had the highest of those rainkings and their most points came against UTEP, which had the second worst defense in conference (better than only Rice and just worse than SMU's). Rice's defense was ranked 118th and they lost to a I-AA team, as well.

by **ponydawg** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:18 am

Of course even though we averaged 35.5 points a game our last 4 games, there is plenty of "excuses" on why we didn't score more. Season was over, bennett was gone either way, even though the players played hard I am sure they had to have checked out somewhat physically and mentally.

Hope the offense can click right away with this new offense.

I can't wait.

by **KnuckleStang** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:19 am

Unless we have some new or returning secondary who have decided to step up their game this year, I fear Dillard may go all Rashaun Woods on us.

by **ponydawg** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:21 am

SMU Football Blog wrote:
Stallion wrote:I believe also I read they averaged 43 points per game in the final 4 games.

Playng (in order) the 117th, 116th, 87th and 108th ranked defenses the last four weeks of the season gives you an opportunity to do that.

What are/were we ranked defensively?

by **jimhagle** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:22 am

Since both defenses are about equally suspect the game will probably be decided on offense and JJ's creativity[and surprise element] should be enough to give us the edge. Plus the players will be playing extra hard to win JJ's first game and begin our turn-around.

by **Stallion** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:25 am

I'm not making a prediction but because of the real most important reason(home field advantage) Rice will be favored by at least 3 points. I'm less worried about the SMU offense starting slow (if Justin is QB) than I am about the SMU defense somehow coordinating about 7-8 kids starting their first college game at their present position. Give me Rice by 2 touchdowns if Willis doesn't start.

by **couch 'em** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:33 am

jimhagle wrote:Since both defenses are about equally suspect the game will probably be decided on offense and JJ's creativity[and surprise element] should be enough to give us the edge. Plus the players will be playing extra hard to win JJ's first game and begin our turn-around.

The JJ Hawaii book repeatedly mentions how it takes QBs several games before they "get it". I'm not sure the offense will be up and running for the Rice game at all. We might start the season with LESS offensive production than last year.

RICE VS SMU

RICE VS SMU

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