Rivals.com Article

[RoyBell]

October 7, 2008


Armen Williams
PonyPride.com Publisher

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It hasn't been a picture perfect start for SMU Head Coach June Jones. In his first year out of Hawaii and on the Hilltop, many had immediate high expectations for the coach that has a reputation of turning programs around.



Sanders is having another big year.
Though this team should be expected to be in a bowl game within the next two to three years, it's evident right now that this year might be tough. With a 1-5 start to the 2008 season, it's obvious that everything hasn't gone the Mustangs way.

Still, there are a lot of things that are clicking and are becoming subtle hints that this program is headed into the right direction.

One obvious sign of this can be evident by simply attending a practice. Players seem energetic throughout and have kept a positive attitude every day. It doesn't matter what happened a few days before, there hasn't been one sign of a player not believing into what Jones and his staff have brought into this program.

"They are buying into it and hopefully that will keep going each week as we go by," explained Jones. "Like I tell the kids every week, you can only control how hard you play every week and nothing else."

The progress with the players isn't just evident amongst the SMU faithful either.

"I think Coach Jones is one of the best in the business," said Tulsa Head Coach Todd Graham. "I'm impressed with how hard their kids are playing and how they're getting after it. They're very talented."

Yes, freshman starting quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell has thrown 15 interceptions in his first six games. But when was the last time that a Mustang fan could open up the Dallas Morning News and see the letters "SMU" next to "Notable statistics"? Don't look now but the Mustangs are number 12 in the nation in passing offense.

"He's very talented and I think he throws the deep ball really well," Graham commented. "That's one of the things that stuck out to me when I started watching him.

"Earlier in the year he struggled with turning the ball over. But as a freshman he's going to go through that. But he has unbelievable potential. He's definitely a winner. I'm a native Texan myself. I played Texas high school football and coached it. I know the program he comes from, he's a winner."

He's also had two noticeable weapons to throw it to in sophomore Aldrick Robinson and junior Emanuel Sanders. They are ranked at number three and five in the country in reception yards, respectively.

"They're definitely bright spots," added Jones. "Both kids can make plays and run. I'm just proud of how hard the kids are playing. We're trying to get everybody to do the right thing. But at the same time, they get a little better each week."

With 1,268 combined yards only six games into the season, this dangerous duo is less than 500 yards away of breaking the all time receiving tandem record at SMU, set back in 1968.

Then there's the defensive side of the ball which has seen consistency from several individuals.

"(Sophomore cornerback) Derrius Bell has really played well every week," said Jones. "(Sophomore defensive end) Youri Yenga is a one of a kind player, effort wise. We just need to play that hard right now. They're really turning it up."

Bell is an individual that Jones has talked about as a standout player each week. He has 33 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, a fumbled forced, and an interception.

Yenga is the other player that Jones continues to praise. So what makes him so good?

"His heart," added Jones. "He's only 215-pounds as a defensive end. He's out weighted every game by probably 100 pounds. He plays with his heart. If we had 22 guys like that on the field with his desire to get to the football, that's what you're looking for. He's just one of a kind and real special. He's got speed and quickness and at 215-pounds, you better have that to play defensive end in this conference."

There are several more individuals on this 1-5 team that have proven to be bright spots and continue to give Mustang fans hope for the future. The biggest factor of it all though is that these players are continuing to buy into what Jones is bringing to the program. As long as the players believe, so should the fans.
Yahoo! Buzz

[BUS]

Facts not sunshine.
I know that we will bo better in the coming years.
SMU has the coach and the recruits are coming to SMU.

[Mustangsabu]

Nice to see your son getting the recognition he deserves for giving us all he has every game. You should be very proud.

[The XtC]

[quote="RoyBell"]"

Yes, freshman starting quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell has thrown 15 interceptions in his first six games. But when was the last time that a Mustang fan could open up the Dallas Morning News and see the letters "SMU" next to "Notable statistics"? [/quote]

Golly gee, that quote is just so cute I had to leave the room to throw up.

[Stallion]

Barely heard the name of a DB mentioned last week-except for BAILEY!!!!!!!!!!!!. That's generrally great news. Means front 7 is making plays and WRs aren't. However, those UCF QBs were awful-so let's hope they can continue such animinity against better competition.

[EastStang]

Unfortunately though when there was a big play, our safeties were out of position.

[Pony!Poni!Pone'!]

SMU big plays=few and far between.
Opponents=multiple per game.

How long has this stat held true?

Getting old. I think it's been at least since that TCU game Thanksgiving weekend in, what 1999? 2000?