Grading the 2009 SMU Mustangs

[Hoop Fan]

I enjoyed reading it and was pretty much on board with all of the rankings. Although I said last week, I wasn't making any predictions, I had said earlier in the summer I thought this team would be 4-8. There are just too many defensive questions and problems with running back depth should McNeal get hurt or isn't ruled eligible.

But this has to be a 4-8 with clear signs that this program is getting better. We'll start to know more by about 10:30 on Saturday night.

P.S. And here's hoping Margus Hunt barely sniffs the field this year. Given his limitations on knowing the game, I just don't think it would be a good idea for him to be out there unless it is in blowout situations.

you'll know about as much at 10:30 saturday night as you knew after the Sam Houston game last year. I remember that game against Cal State Northridge at the House that Doak Built about 10 years ago. Man, i thought we turned the corner that day.

[Stallion]

Exactly. The two biggest games of the Year are Washington St. and UAB on the Road . If we don't win one of those games then a bowl is a real longshot and it could be pretty lonely in Ford Stadium in November.

[George S. Patton]

I think after that Texas State game last year, we all came away not feeling good because we allowed 35 points and 500-plus passing yards. We weren't exactly impressive in our only win.

If we're going to set a tone for 2009, we have to pretty much kick SFA all over the field, like 49-20 and with their 20 coming late.

I recognize the UAB game pretty much determines the course of the season, but we really need to set a tone on Saturday. I hope that helps you understand where I'm coming from.

But then again, since we're 2-22 over the last two seasons, we probably don't need to take anything for granted.

Edit: I made the change. But you get the point.

[CalallenStang]

We didn't play Sam Houston State last year.

Stallion, I think your ratings are pretty spot-on.

[smupony]

We didn't play Sam Houston State last year.

Stallion, I think your ratings are pretty spot-on.

Right. It was Texas State.

[ponyinNC]

good read, thanks.

[expony18]

by far one of the best posts this board has had in a long time

Hey what happend to your sig lol.

which one was it

[SoCal_Pony]

A 4-8 prediction is 'almost' conceding a 1-7 start, which I hope is not the case.

That will lead to 7,500 crowds at the home games to end the season.

It will also zap whatever excitement there is from this program and lead to further talk that SMU can never turn it around, which is complete BS.

Washington State, and more importantly UAB…imperative we win 1 of those.

Like your rating system, think (or hope) BLM deserves a higher ranking.

[SMU_is_bowling]

P.S. And here's hoping Margus Hunt barely sniffs the field this year. Given his limitations on knowing the game, I just don't think it would be a good idea for him to be out there unless it is in blowout situations.

Would love to see some of those this season!! that go our way!!!

[Charleston Pony]

agree that those early road games against WSU and UAB are key to a successful 2009 season. Win just one of those and we just might find 6 wins. As for the DB comments, our lack of ability to pressure passers last year was a big factor in the poor pass defense. Remains to be seen whether the front 7 will be strong enough to keep running games in check and find a way to pressure opposing QBs. Let the games begin already!

[The PonyGrad]

Hmm... with the exception of QB (a rating that I would contest) you give the rest of the team average or above and a W/L prediction of 4-8. What is up with that? We must be playing a bunch of better than average teams. Come on!

[MAROON]

you're rating for Kennemer is way too low. Read Mason's interview again - he was the best linebacker on the team at the end of the season. I would rate him anywhere from a 6-7. If he stays healthey you will watch a kid that just makes plays all over the field.

Oh, and he did have multiple offers from D1 coming out of high school (including SMU)

[StallionsModelT]

Kennemer was impressive last season, but we need to see if he can carry that into this year. I think he can do the job. I think Cameron Rogers will be a pleasant surprise to alot of people. He really was impressive in the practices I saw earlier.

[Alaric]

bump

[Charleston Pony]

going 2-3 in October is about all even the most optimistic fan could have hoped for

if these guys aren't careful, JT will stop worrying about the defense and may actually begin to have some expectations for this program