Evidence of offensive improvement

[The PonyGrad]

Tech has a substantial number of defensive players back so comparing stats to last season is enlightening:

In overall yards per play SMU improved by .91 yards. That is a lot.

One less turnover (still have to do better.)

57 less penalty yards (home field difference? I think team unity and discipline is better.)

[PonySnob]

We have just got to score more! There are not many teams that average less than 2 TD's per game that win on a regular basis. Hopefully Burns can really get the offense cranked up where it scores at least 3-4 TD's ever game. Given that last week was the first real game for his offense, it really looked pretty good although the vertical passing game could have been better. I expect that the offense will look better this week now that they have been able to look at the film from a real game and not just a scrimmage.

[JasonB]

Last year's scoring average: 11.

This year, against a Big 12 team, in the first game with a new offense: 13.

Not a great improvement, but definately a step forward. Hopefully we will see gradual improvement so that by the time the conference schedule gets here we have enough offense to beat the lesser teams in the league.

With our defense as strong as it is, if our offense improves as the season goes on, we should be able to win against SJSU, Rice, Tulsa, UTEP, Nevada, La Tech. Losses against Tech, TCU, Ok State, Boise, Fresno.

With such a young team, we may very well choke in one of those winnable games, but I think that with the offensive and defensive improvements shown so far, a 6 win season isn't out of the question. I was assuming we would have 4 going into the season, a 6 win season should give Bennett coach of the year.

[geephunk]

If we go 6-5, we will definately go to a bowl game!

[SWC2010]

If we go 6-5, we will definately go to a bowl game!

Is it true that Top 4 WAC finishers are guaranteed a bowl bid?

[Pony4Life]

I think it is the top 3, but I'm not positive.

And I'm not sure a 6-5 record would get a bowl bid. Bowl organizers would look at our attendance, and also at the record we had last year, and would figure they'd sell barely any tickets. I would assume this team will need to win at least 7 even to be considered.

For now, I just want a single win, to start with.

[Greenwich Pony]

Yes, I think we're going to be alright after haring the Tech game, but let's not lose all focus here. I'd like to see us win one before I make some bowl plans. We probably will not go 6-5 this year, while I think we are improved, I just don't see it. I do think we will be in much better shape than I thought for CUSA play, and winning seasons are coming. The corner is not turned yet, but I think we can see the corner, which is a good thing.

[DallasDiehard]

You know, Tech might be known as a defensive powerhouse, but when you consider some of the games we lost against team with no defense (Baylor, Nevada, UTEP) with our KK offense (Kincade right, Kincade left, Kincade up the middle), I'd have to think that the offense we had Saturday -- all 13 points of it -- would have been enough to get us at least three wins last year. We didn't explode the lights out of the scoreboard against Tech, and there's lots of room for improvement, but the offense clearly is better. I like what I saw for the first time out.

[rich_alum]

Bowl Games? 6-5? We played well the other night, but that is one game. We also had a lot of prep time for Tech, something we won't get with other teams. We could get blown out of the water tomorrow for all we know, and yes this team still has little offense.

I am just excited as anyone about the potential of this young team, but I would brace myself for another losing season. We still have a weak O-line and weak receivers.

No matter how good our D is, TCU will score plenty (their offense is that good)....at least 21 points.

If our offense doesn't get going and convert TD's on our drives, we will lose and possibly lose badly.

Regardless of the score, I will be enjoying myself with 4 favorite things......money, martini's, hookers, and SMU Football. (in order)

[OldPony]

Jason B- This win against LaTech that you mention. Did you happen to watch them last weekend? LaTech could be as good as anyone in the conference. Their running back is nothing short of sensational. I agree that we sounded much improved BUT before we start talking of bowls, lets get a W.

[Greenwich Pony]

I can understand springing for a good martini; but I find it nearly impossible to believe you're paying for the women RA... That's so very Tech of you...

[rich_alum]

ouch....the ultimate insult!