June Jones' Thursday post-practice notes

[PonyPride]

Head coach June Jones met with the media after Thursday's practice. Some notes:

• QB Bo Levi Mitchell got a little sick after he had a reaction to some medicine, but Jones said Mitchell will be fine and will start Saturday against Washington State.

• Jones sounded completely unconcerned about his young team getting overconfident in wake of its 2-0 start. "Success builds confidence. We practiced better this week than we did last week, and the young kids are learning better."

• Jones said he expects a physical game against Washington State, noting the Cougars' size and experience against Pac-10 competition. He said he expects WSU to "try to maul us" and lauded the ability of RB James Montgomery, who is averaging 5.1 yards per carry through two games.

• He said the chance that WSU will rotate QBs doesn't particularly concern him (sophomore Marshall Lobbestael will start, but there are many reports suggesting that true freshman Jeff Tuel also will see his first game action). "We prepare for the scheme," Jones said.

• Two key players — LB Youri Yenga and WR Aldrick Robinson — were held out of practice again Thursday, but while Jones called each "a game-time decision," he also said he expected both to play.

[lwjr]

Thanks for the update, PonyPride!

[ponyte]

Thanks. Good to get some SMU information we normally don't get here in Arkyland.

[The PonyGrad]

Must have been an early practice

[down n out]

so BLM is sick and has hurt ribs....great

[NickSMU17]

I hope Yenga is healthy and play...

[kull]

nice update.

[mathman]

We really need for Yenga to be ready to play

[SMU21TCU10]

BLM has not had a great 3 weeks as far as health! Hopefully he gets better. I was excited when yesterday it was reported he was feeling much better. THen today the first thing i read is this =/

[Corso]

If Yenga is still hurting, I'd like to see the coaches try to win without him, so he could have another full week with the bye week before TCU.

[The PonyGrad]

If Yenga is still hurting, I'd like to see the coaches try to win without him, so he could have another full week with the bye week before TCU.

Rivalries are important but every winnable game this season is critical.

[SMU 86]

If Yenga is still hurting, I'd like to see the coaches try to win without him, so he could have another full week with the bye week before TCU.

Rivalries are important but every winnable game this season is critical.

Agreed we need to win at WSU first. Then think about TCU.

[OR-See-Nee]

Thank you for the excellent report.