Why is everyone in panic mode?

[Greenwich Pony]

Okay, we did lose to (yeech...) Rice in the first game of the season. I can't say I'm happy about that, but it wasn't unexpected. New coach, new system, freshman quarterback, new defense against a team with a decent senior-lead offense and a superb WR.

Frankly, for the first time in about two years, I saw some good things. For a freshman quarterback in a new (and difficult) system, I think BLM had a very good game, and duelled a decent senior quarterback well. Two of the turnovers looked like "tired arm" more than "freshman mistake." We have at least two recievers (and yes, we need more) who can play, and DeMyron looked solid, not great, but solid, when they handed him the ball. When everything starts to click, we will put points on the board. The O-line even did a fairly credable job against an admittedly weak defense, but I wasn't holding my hands over my face...

The defense is small and lacks real talent. However, the team looked prepared out there- they were not schemed badly, and I never felt that the kids nor the coaches didn't know what they were doing- it felt more like we simply were physically outplayed. There were a few miscues, but largely we were at the right place at the right tim, we just couldn't seem to stop things from happening once we were there. The only two things that made me cringe were dropped interceptions and the fact that we did not seem to adjust to Dillard when Rice moved him.

I didn't think I'd say this about an SMU team, but I thought the improvement on the special teams was dramatic, and showed both kicking and recieving. And Henderson is going to break a few this year. Not perfect, but better than it has been in years, and will presumably improve.

So yes, we got beat. But we got beaten, we didn't lose- there is a difference. The last few years, I felt like the kids often didn't know what to expect, looked unprepared for what was thrown at them and seemed to give up in frustration. Or we were ahead, but didn't know what to do with a lead. It may be just me, but I didn't feel that way about this game. It seemed like everyone more or less knew what they needed to do, but didn't or couldn't execute the plan. That's a different problem, but one that is certainly fixable with repetition and an infusion or better talent.

So it ain't all good- but I think we do have a better underlying foundation to build on than in the past. Tech is going to be UGLY, but we may sneak up on some people later this year if we can stay healthy. We're SMU fans- we've looked woefully bad in the eyes so deep and so often that woefully bad probably think's we're going to propose- and frankly, Friday wasn't that bad.

[EastStang]

Umm, we lost to Rice and there are not many more teams that fall into the beatable category after that. Memphis, UTEP, Tulane, Texas State are the only others that are in that realm and they are no sure things. USM, UCF, TCU, TT, UH, Tulsa, Navy look way better than us right now.

[Pony94]

Agreed...lets see this thing out. JJ has a plan and will actually make the team better as we get further into the season. I was happy we didnt see a quarterback running for his life, or the dreaded swinging gate!! Am looking forward to the home opener!! Should be big fun!

[PonyTales]

Umm, we lost to Rice and there are not many more teams that fall into the beatable category after that. Memphis, UTEP, Tulane, Texas State are the only others that are in that realm and they are no sure things. USM, UCF, TCU, TT, UH, Tulsa, Navy look way better than us right now.

"Right now" being the operative words in your statement.

All teams get better after they've had more than one game with their new coaching staffs.

[Phxfan]

Agreed...lets see this thing out. JJ has a plan and will actually make the team better as we get further into the season. I was happy we didn't see a quarterback running for his life, or the dreaded swinging gate!! Am looking forward to the home opener!! Should be big fun!

I wouldn't be surprised to see JW in the game at TT. JJ might do it to give us a chance. We all know JW is probably history, but if SMU does upset TT it will satisfy JJ and the SMU base. Sell more tickets etc. More national coverage. The defense will have to change because we can't win a shootout. I know JJ is building right now, but there is a point where everyone looks bad including JJ. Remember, on any given day. I don't buy the ugly thing re: TT. It may happen, may not. Could be an upset in the making.

[Pony94]

I just dont think JJ is the type of guy to worry about selling tickets and creating excitement at this point. He will stick to his plan...

[Dukie]

Agreed...lets see this thing out. JJ has a plan and will actually make the team better as we get further into the season. I was happy we didn't see a quarterback running for his life, or the dreaded swinging gate!! Am looking forward to the home opener!! Should be big fun!

I wouldn't be surprised to see JW in the game at TT. JJ might do it to give us a chance. We all know JW is probably history, but if SMU does upset TT it will satisfy JJ and the SMU base. Sell more tickets etc. More national coverage. The defense will have to change because we can't win a shootout. I know JJ is building right now, but there is a point where everyone looks bad including JJ. Remember, on any given day. I don't buy the ugly thing re: TT. It may happen, may not. Could be an upset in the making.

I have to shake my head at any thoughts that Justin Willis would give SMU any sort of chance. He never did before, to be blunt. And his instincts and assets are completely wrong for the new system. BLM is a true frosh but is the future of this program.

[mathman]

I just dont think JJ is the type of guy to worry about selling tickets and creating excitement at this point. He will stick to his plan...

I agree. And I am glad he is that way. I don't give a rip if a lot of people on here whine and cry and he doesn't either. He is going to build the program so it will last and he doesn't care if the way he does it pleases all the armchair QB's on Ponyfans or not.

[jtstang]

He is going to build the program so it will last and he doesn't care if the way he does it pleases all the armchair QB's on Ponyfans or not.

Are you talking about Jones, or Bennett? Maybe Cavan?

[mathman]

He is going to build the program so it will last and he doesn't care if the way he does it pleases all the armchair QB's on Ponyfans or not.

Are you talking about Jones, or Bennett? Maybe Cavan?[/quot

Don't start, JT. We have been getting along nicely lately.

[jtstang]

Okay, just answer one question for me. HOW MUCH LONGER DO WE HAVE TO WAIT????

[J.T.supporta]

Okay, just answer one question for me. HOW MUCH LONGER DO WE HAVE TO WAIT????

might as well call us the 40 year old virgins because it might take up to 40 years before we start winning

[Alaric]

Okay, just answer one question for me. HOW MUCH LONGER DO WE HAVE TO WAIT????

6th-7th game of this year we'll have an offense we're proud of...D will be gelling by the last couple of games but of course still in need of an infusion of hosses, esp defensive tackles. next year we'll start pulling off some minor upsets, consistent and dangerous offense. D will be halfway respectable, finish top half of Conf USA at least...2010 we'll be one of the top 2-3 teams in ConfUSA. 2011 top 25. there's an answer

by 2082, national champs

[WE ARE BACK]

Okay, just answer one question for me. HOW MUCH LONGER DO WE HAVE TO WAIT????

6th-7th game of this year we'll have an offense we're proud of...D will be gelling by the last couple of games but of course still in need of an infusion of hosses, esp defensive tackles. next year we'll start pulling off some minor upsets, consistent and dangerous offense. D will be halfway respectable, finish top half of Conf USA at least...2010 we'll be one of the top 2-3 teams in ConfUSA. 2011 top 25. there's an answer

by 2082, national champs

Summery: Until we get Division 1 players on Defense.

[Cadillac]

by 2082, national champs

Actually, that's the year we lose to Duke in the Phaser Bowl.

-CoS