Fill in the blank: Total Defense

[Dooby]

OK, prognosticators, today's question: Total Defense

Let's get some predictions on the record.

Fill in the blank:

At the end of the 2009 football season, SMU will be ranked # ____ in total defense (yards).

Last season, SMU was 118 (yuck), ahead of only NTSU.

I am predicting a small jump to around #100-105, call it 104th in total defense.

Yesterday's question: Total Offense

[HB Pony Dad]

JT taught me well, so I have learned to have

[mustangklick]

I think we wil be 100+. I believe our defense might cause more turnovers this year, but it wil still be on the field a lot and give up plenty of yards.

[Alaric]

Breakout year where SMU's seen in the rarified air of the top 100 as we hit #99. We finally have a pass rush (please don't get hurt Marquis), LBs are faster than they've been in 20 years, the most experienced secondary in a long time. Youth continues to present its ugly head. Missed assignments, primarily at LB, will cause a lot of grey hair. Our young skinny guys still can't stop the run though Navy will in fact, attempt a pass (shovel pass), which will be returned 85 yards for a touchdown by Evan Huahulu.

[MustangLaxer]

#87

[SMUSportsTalkNow101]

Total Defense Rank - #95

[crazy horse]

We play some pretty potent offenses this year and while I think we will be better, I don't see us making huge stat progress.

My vote is #99.

The defense will perform much better and give up less big plays. I also believe the offense will not give up nearly as many turnovers which should help the D.

[BUS]

95 would be much better.

Bottom line is W's.

[SmooBoy]

94 or 95

[StallionsModelT]

90th Overall but still dreadful against the pass.

[kull]

93, we allow 411 ypg

[Come and Take It]

81st.

[Charleston Pony]

no predictions but remember what Coach Jones said - to paraphrase: fans will tolerate losing 48-45 games if they are exciting and competitive, as you build your program. I certainly hope for a huge improvement, but do not expect much. I am very interested to see how guys like Yenga and Fleming might flourish in the 3-4, and expect Taylor Thompson to become an all-conference player by his JR year. Just anxious to get this season started!

[San Antonio Mustang]

Everyone who has read my posts know that I think the part that was missing the most last year was tackling. If we can tackle this year I will be bold and rank us 80. If we tackle like last year then 115.

[indianmustang]

i think we are at 80