Is This the Biggest SMU/TCU Game in Most of Our Lives?

[westexSMU]

Its the biggest TCU game to me because of not only the rivalry and the TCU #4 ranking, but also because of the important development of our team at this time.Though the secondary still has issues, I think our D will play pretty well. The offense is the key to the game for us. Did we have a breakout game against WSU with our passing attack in the 2nd half ? Did KP and the WRs get the confidence they needed ? Can the OL hold up ? We are close to being a real good team. This game is a huge test and its a rivalry game. Go Mustangs !

[Get_Some_Ponies]

Yeah, but I was thinking, how big is it really? If you asked June if at the end of Friday's game that he could lose and have everybody healthy or win and lose 2 starters to injury, well... he wouldn't answer but I am sure getting out of this game healthy going into conference play is paramount in his mind. If that is true, how big can it really be?

Nice point. This helps us with respect and will be a good measuring stick.

[EastStang]

First, I think that JJ understands the concept of a rivalry game. Many of these guys either went to HS together or played against each other in HS. It means a lot to them to win the game. Secondly, we're playing the 4th ranked team in the Country. It has a huge respect and prestige factor. Yes, winning the conference is our goal this year, but it is a huge yardstick of how far we've come. Also, by having to make quicker decisions against TCU's fast defense, our offense will gain invaluable experience for later in the year. Quicker reads, means quicker plays, and higher scoring. Lastly, we get to go out and have fun. TCU will have to work because one loss and they're done for any hope of a BCS game. If the game stays close, they are the ones whose tailpipes will pucker up.

[PK]

...they are the ones whose tailpipes will pucker up.

Nice.

[smuuth]

This is big for TCU but not for SMU. TCU must win to achieve their goals of a BCS bowl and possible national championship. Not only a win but with style points also for the national tv audience. For SMU it is simply a measuring stick. A win is posible with a great effort and maybe some untimely TCU miscues or blown ref calls or problems on special teams, something that Patterson teams don't do. Pony fans should expect nothing less than a fanatical effort by our defense and special teams and an improving offense that shows we are not just a running team. Hopefully, our coaches make good decisions unlike last year where they insisted on punting to Kerley and wasting a great defensive effort by our guys. Next year wil be the bigggest TCU-SMU from a pony standpoint. TCU will have new QB and SMU will be loaded with 18-20 returning starters with a veteran QB and solid in all areas if we can get a kicker/punter and shore up a couple of depth issues.

[leopold]

It's big for us, too. We are trying to show a lot of people we are serious about football (fans, students, recruits) again, and a win over TCU is certainly a statement along those lines.

Look, I hate to bring conference realignment back to light, but all conference realignment scenarios for us has TCU standing in the way. Why choose SMU when you have a school that's about the same size, same location, same endowment, and similiar history (sans DP) that is a proven winner and has a bigger stadium with far better attendance. Threre is a reason their is serious talk of TCU going to the Big XII and little to none for us, and that would be HORRIBLE for our program.

I believe we have started to close the gap. It has got to continue, and a win here would help us immensely.

[Boston Pony]

Not important this season - focus on conference games. TCU/SMU rivalry has never really been a rivalry as teams seldom are at high level at same time. It should be a fun game, but the season hangs on CUSA not OOC games.

[Donnell88]

(1) Can anyone remember the last time we played the number-four ranked team in the nation on national television? (2) And, what happened the week after we beat TCU in 2005? We lost to Texas A&M 66-8. Luckily, that game wasn't on national TV.

[Ponyx2]

How great would it be to wake up Saturday morning, sit out on the patio with a good cup of coffee and the sports page, and read about how the SMU Mustangs took TCU's entire season, wrapped it nicely in a box, put a pretty ribbon on top and just shoved in squarely up their a**.

[Harry0569]

Only standing room tickets available for the game!