Thursday Scrimmage

[Dooby]

Defense is solid in SMU scrimmage
09:08 PM CDT on Thursday, April 8, 2004

By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News


UNIVERSITY PARK – In a scrimmage that lasted nearly three hours, SMU's defense played well, getting an interception in the end zone from redshirt linebacker Cory Muse, numerous sacks and strong coverage in the secondary.

Rolando Humphrey recovered a blocked field goal attempt and returned it for a touchdown.

Coach Phil Bennett said Chris Phillips will probably start the season at quarterback.

[PerunaPunch]

From what I saw (the last hour and a half or so), Akenyemi was the defensive MVP (tight coverage, contested the ball on every play, ran a blocked kick back 80 yards for a score), and Munlin was probably the offensive MVP. Props also to Cedric Vinson, who had the only reception of substance – a 20+ yard leaping over-the-shoulder grab for a TD over Akenyemi (who along with his teammates heatedly argued offensive pass interference by way of a 'push-off').

Bobby Chase looked like a monster compared to what we've trotted out at receiver in years past. Seemed like Chase, along with Warren and Lowry, were getting the reps with the first team O.

I concur that the LBs will be a fast, exciting unit to watch.

Both lines look substantially larger and more athletic. Caleb Peveto debuted at starting LG.

We still haven't cured our offensive woes, but the offense appears to be infinitely more faceted than "KK up the middle for 3". Meeks is much improved (#5 looks like a completely different kid). All the QBs looked serviceable, but none really stood out as a passer. Phillips continues to run well, and as such, was probably the most effective.

[dandyfan]

If Phillips starts at QB get ready for 7 and 8 in the box. He looks great in a uniform...and is strong as a bull running, but, he can't friggin throw. There are offenses built for QB's just like him...but this ain't it.

[Hoop Fan]

I don't know how some of you can conclude a guy can't friggin throw after scrimmage and a few games as a freshman. Phillips didn't have a particularly good scrimmage yesterday, but he has shown a strong arm. He can make plays. I thought Eckert looked pretty good too. When I compare him to the Pages and Lukers of the past several years, we have significantly more ability than in the past. Bartel was a sitting duck behind the O Lines too. As for the O Line it was giving up a lot of penetration yesterday. That concerns me because our D Line doesnt get much pressure against opponents. I thought the second team D line has huge potential with Pryor and Bey at the ends. Those guys have skills. Munlin is a stud. He might be worth a few wins in the WAC himself. Concerned about the receivers. Didnt get much separation from the defense. Thats part of the reason none of the qbs completed many big passing plays. Chase is a bigger target which we need. Muse is a stud at linebacker and I was impressed with Akinyemi. Overall, I would agree with those that say SMU will field a much better team this Fall. It anybodys guess how many wins that will translate to. Like always it will probably depend on a turning point play in an early season game to set the tone for the season. Last year, it was Baylor.

[davidsmu94]

Can't throw? what are you talking about. The kid has a rocket for an arm. He's just young and getting used to making decisions.

[dandyfan]

david, he does have a very strong arm, but he completed maybe two passes down field all day. think back to last year, he had the same problem. if the primary rec. is not open he takes off. that works from time to time. i have no problem with coach B. sticking with him as QB. he has made that obvious that Chris will be his man. he does however, need to rethink THIS offense with Chris at the helm. It simply wont work.

[LA_Mustang]

he has made that obvious that Chris will be his man. he does however, need to rethink THIS offense with Chris at the helm. It simply wont work.

Wow, you are able to tell all of that from one scrimmage? How are you not a coach or a scout? Forgive us if we trust the guys that do this for a living (Bennett and Burns) to make that decision.

[dandyfan]

actually two scrimmages and a workout and a little bit of knowledge. nobody hopes this works more than me but, 1's did have trouble with the 2's yesterday.

[PonyTales]

#1 offense (with numerous new players and all players learning a new system) had trouble with the #2 defense (which is made up of players who have played the same system for years? Go figure.

Give 'em time. If we get into the season and there's still no offensive spark, then there could be cause for concern, based on the specifics of the situation at that time. But to expect our offense to look like LSU at this point is a bit premature, don't you think? We've talked about how young players need to learn .... in this offense, everyone is essentially a freshman. No need to rush to judgement yet.

Coach Burns made a young offense very effective at Cincinnati. I see no reason he can't do the same here. Whether we reach the same level remains to be seen, of course, since he's dealing with a different set of players. But to suggest we're going to be stagnant offensively when the whole unit has had maybe 10-12 practices is unfair.

And Chris Phillips can throw, and throw well. dandyfan's right that he's really raw, but keep in mind that before last season, he was playing at a small private school that ran an uncomplicated system in which he sometimes was the biggest player on the field, and in which he was invited - maybe encouraged - to tuck the ball and take off. He's got a way to go, but his physical skills - including as a passer - are blatantly obvious.

[PlanoStang]

Maybe somebody can teach Phillips loft, velcocity, leading targets, and touch. Maybe there's a ballistics course in the engineering school this summer? Can you coach that?

Where's Chuck Hixson, and Mike Ford when you need them?

[buspen]

I agree with pretty much all the posts, however Eckert seems to be real hot or real cold nothing much in between. Munlin is the real deal.

But what struck me the most was the whole offensive scheme was tremendously refreshing, I hope Bennett follows through and allows the OC to call the plays. Many plays looked extremely difficult to defend, there were a lot of receivers popping up out of nowhere open. The way they have been rotating QB's I hope once they settle on one, all of these timing and recognition issues will work themselves out and into some completions.

[dandyfan]

buspen is right. this offense is very refreshing compared to last year. the QB's look a lot less confused. the running game does put more pressure on the defense with its zone option reads. the defense will not be able to just run to the ball,they will have to play the option as well. noone has said anything about the no huddle thing they are doing. that also puts pressure on the defense. however, in order for this offense to be a success we are going to have to be able to throw the ball downfield. if we cant do that we play against 8 in the box like we did last year and have the same problems we had last year.

[king_k]

Let's not bash on private school football please! Chris Phillips came from a school of 1200 kids running a normal pro-style offense from a great head coach who specialized in creating college quarterbacks.

[dandyfan]

phillips skills as a passer are not obvious. he is, however, a very good athlete that coach bennett has decided to hang his hat on. it is in everyones best interest (especially bennett) that chris perform well this next fall. i hope we put him in a better position(offense) to do that.

[bubba pony]

mean green: It's been a very long time since I graduated from SMU and lived in Texas but do people still say 'yall'? saying it as a habit is one thing but intentionally using it in print doesn’t make sense to me.