SMU the next TCU - ESPN

[SMU89]

Great article. Agree with the depth issue. As an example, IMO we were just gassed in the last qtr and 1/2 of the TCU game. We were in that game up to that point. Different ballgame when we have more fresh legs - like our opponents.

Love all the comments from the Frogs at the bottom of that article and other posts - says it all.

[Peruna_Ate_My_Rolex]

This is seemingly the only reasonable comment from all the hate spewed in the comments section:

rerun789 (2/8/2011 at 5:34 PM) Report Violation
Geez, why all the hate folks. SMU is not near the level of TCU and that is apparent. What is also apparent is that the program is starting to show a level of commitment that was never evident in the nearly 20 years before June's arrival. The program was abysmal and now it's slowly but surely starting to show signs of life. Does this mean the program will be a BCS buster next year? No, of course not but it means that SMU is starting to build a program and getting guys like a Davon Moreland means that it is making a genuine effort to be competitive. TCU has shown that it can be done. SMU isn't there yet but give it some time.

Thanks!

[Deep Purple]

This was just another example of June Jones baiting the press. He has a well-deserved reputation as a master baiter.

As for SMU, it's difficult to criticize a team who's chief aspiration is to be like TCU. I commend you for setting your sites so high.

[lwjr]

Remember gang this is a marathon not a sprint. It is nice to get the publicity so I guess the expectations and pressure continue in an upward trend

[Cadillac]

the real climb to the BCS starts with this Class-some of you think we are already there

I agree. It's nice to dream, but I think some of us are forgetting exactly how difficult and long the climb is. If the article were saying that we'd be ranked in the top 25 at some point in the next two years, I'd be on board with that. But BCS Busting is a huge leap, one that a lot of good teams don't make. Look at TCU's 2005 bid. They coulda shoulda woulda made it, but for one pesky team from Dallas.

I'm not even thinking about a BCS bowl anytime soon.

-CoS

[NickSMU17]

No..don't forget TCU has an amazing journalism program...which will pay huge dividends in the current newspaper market...

[redpony]

And don't forget that their 7-11 clerk training program is second only to cougar high.

GO PONIES!!!

[ya]

This is seemingly the only reasonable comment from all the hate spewed in the comments section:

rerun789 (2/8/2011 at 5:34 PM) Report Violation
Geez, why all the hate folks. SMU is not near the level of TCU and that is apparent. What is also apparent is that the program is starting to show a level of commitment that was never evident in the nearly 20 years before June's arrival. The program was abysmal and now it's slowly but surely starting to show signs of life. Does this mean the program will be a BCS buster next year? No, of course not but it means that SMU is starting to build a program and getting guys like a Davon Moreland means that it is making a genuine effort to be competitive. TCU has shown that it can be done. SMU isn't there yet but give it some time.

As a Frog, the above is reasonable expectation for the current situation. You guys will not be a BCS buster with 2 so-so seasons. You have to earn the reputation and that takes time. Three or four years in the 19-25 season ending top 25 is the goal to make further gains into the top ranges of the top 25. After that occurs, you need some mighty good luck and then you might get a run at a BCS bowl. It took TCU 11 years to get there. It will take y'all maybe 5-6 years at a mininmum to get to our level. Not trying to throw smack, it just takes time to change perceptions even if reality is something different. I want smu to be good and bring more than 500 fans on average to Fort Worth as you know we can bring fans to Dallas.

[Stallion]

One reason I think its going to take awhile is that while the 2009 Class looked good on paper-SMU really took a shot from injuries and non-qualifiers. How much are we going to get out of that class. It will be one of the more interesting themes of the offseason. I'd love to have a Rickey Collins and Guinyard for example to throw into the WR mix. Good reports on Der'rick Thompson so far. I thought the WR Class was really exciting on signing date and would quickly elevate the passing game by 2011. Add a Bordano and Beard to add depth at LB. On and on-but attrition has basically eliminated or called into question something like 14 players (50%) that originally signed in that Class. Stars don't matter if they aren't in school or they physically aren't able to excell. You've got to think that will slow our shot to accelerate the development of the program-but we will see.

[Alaric]

One reason I think its going to take awhile is that while the 2009 Class looked good on paper-SMU really took a shot from injuries and non-qualifiers. How much are we going to get out of that class. It will be one of the more interesting themes of the offseason. I'd love to have a Rickey Collins and Guinyard for example to throw into the WR mix. Good reports on Der'rick Thompson so far. I thought the WR Class was really exciting on signing date and would quickly elevate the passing game by 2011. Add a Bordano to add depth at LB. On and on-but attrition has basically eliminated or called into question something like 12 players that originally signed in that Class. Stars don't matter if they aren't in school or they physically aren't able to excell. You've got to think that will slow our shot to accelerate the development of the program-but we will see.

sounds like you're talking about the 2010 class, prob just a typo...heard Guinyard's knee ain't looking good. Plenty of injuries (Fontana) and grade problems from 2009 too but all the guys you list are from 2010

[SMU89]

I'm more interested in how we compare this season in FW.

The rest will take care of itself and I expect sooner than some predict.

[Dutch]

And don't forget that their 7-11 clerk training program is second only to cougar high.

GO PONIES!!!

so true, the startlegram just announced they are laying off 22 staffers.

[RGV Pony]

One reason I think its going to take awhile is that while the 2009 Class looked good on paper-SMU really took a shot from injuries and non-qualifiers. How much are we going to get out of that class. It will be one of the more interesting themes of the offseason. I'd love to have a Rickey Collins and Guinyard for example to throw into the WR mix. Good reports on Der'rick Thompson so far. I thought the WR Class was really exciting on signing date and would quickly elevate the passing game by 2011. Add a Bordano and Beard to add depth at LB. On and on-but attrition has basically eliminated or called into question something like 14 players (50%) that originally signed in that Class. Stars don't matter if they aren't in school or they physically aren't able to excell. You've got to think that will slow our shot to accelerate the development of the program-but we will see.

that 50% of which you speak...I wonder if that's where the "class and a half" mantra of JJ came from.

[Stallion]

You know I actually almost posted the same thought