Biggest Concern About Bennett

[RGV Pony]

I'll start by saying I'm a Bennett supporter. That having been said, it's difficult not to notice an alarming trend that has reared its ugly head on Saturdays and at the weekly Press Conference for some time. That is, consistently I hear the line, "well, they weren't prepared. And for that if you're going to blame someone, blame me;" or, "so an so isn't quite where I'd like us to be."

This puts even the most ardent supporters in a difficult position. At what point do we stop hearing that preparation was deficient?

One possible theory is that Bennett's using this route as a means of protecting his players from harsh criticism.. What do ya'll think?

[Charleston Pony]

that's coach speak, i.e., you stand behind your guys and take the heat for them rather than calling them dogs. At one point last year, Bennett said "we played like dogs...but those are my dogs and I love 'em"

Coach Bennett knows when this team matures (as early as next year when we have plenty of upperclassmen in the 2 deep and lots of guys who have played 2 or more seasons), it will be ime to produce or his neck is in the noose. If these guys don't break this losing streak during WAC play this year, Bennett might come under fire sooner than anyone expects. Just my opinion. I'm still thinking these guys will win 2 games this year.

[Insane_Pony_Posse]

My biggest concern is SMU never seems to have that rare game where "everything goes right". The kind of game where you can pull off an upset. It seems there are only two possibilities. Either we get pounded or it is somewhat close but we never win.

How can it be that we never "play above our heads" and beat somebody?

I know I have heard all the reasons why it is not fair to compare Rossley with today's situation, but good God Almighty at least a Rossley team would pull off the "once a season" miracle upset.

Am I asking too much?

[PonySnob]

That is, consistently I hear the line, "well, they weren't prepared. And for that if you're going to blame someone, blame me;" or, "so an so isn't quite where I'd like us to be."

This appears to be Bennett's crutch phrase. After every loss, the former Georgia state trooper known as Mike Cavan used to always say "we just have to get back to work and get better."

Since it has been so long since we have won a game under Bennett, I will assume he did not use his crutch phrase in his three wins, but he does say it after every loss which would mean that of the 26 games he has coached, he has only had this team prepared 11.5% of the time. I do applaud him for taking the heat for the piss-poor performance on the field because ultimately, it will be his [deleted] that is booted off of the Hilltop if this program does not get turned around.

[Horseshoe]

As a point of full disclosure, I've never been to a press conference or the locker room after a game, and I'd hazard a guess you haven't either. There have been times when Coach Bennett has used that phrase (you're actually worried about a percentage of games after which a specific phrase is uttered? You need serious counseling.) But it's nowhere near as often as you suggest. The opener against Navy, last week in Fort Worth -- there's no way to hide the fact that the Ponies have laid an egg every now and then. But more often than not, when the Ponies have lost, Coach Bennett has been very forthright, saying "here's what they (the opponent) did well, here's what we need to do better," etc. Coach Bennett is in an amazing situation, with the youth on this team -- last year and this year. He could stand up there and call out players, but that's a sure way to destroy the confidence of a lot of young players. Coach Bennett is too smart for that. He knows that despite what the critics might say, this team has to take its lumps -- sometimes a lot of them -- during the maturation process. He also knows that when this team comes of age, whether it's later this season or in 2005, those critics will turn into "knew it all along" supporters.

[EastStang]

He's just running interference for his young players. A good coach does that. I heard Al Groh say it numerous times the last few years and look UVA is playing great ball with the talent he recruited. By the way did anyone catch what the kid who ran back the two kickoffs said: "It was kind of like running from the police". Nice experience if you can get it.

Bennett is doing what he needs to do in this regard. As some flamer pointed out recently he dropped the f bomb in practice 71 times (or was it 72). So he leaves his tirades for closed practices and not public press conferences. That's the way it should be.

[Horseshoe]

Absolutely right, EastStang.

[Diehard Pony]

I agree with others that he is protecting his players with those type of comments, but in some cases (such as Ft Worth) he is calling a spade a spade.

In my initial post under "Observations of an Attendee" one of my points was coaching and game prep. It appeared to me, and those in attendance with me, that SMU was completely unprepared for the game. Clueless as to what TCU was going to run, while TCU seemed to have a microphone in our huddle before each play.

On top of this the team was not ready from an emotional standpoint. They appeared flat and listless from the opening kickoff.

When Bennett says he needs to do a better job I would say that he is speaking the truth as much or more as he is protecting the players.

Maybe today will be the day they finally shock someone and pull off a huge upset. I sincerely hope so but, regardless, I will have no observations as an attendee on this one.

[QuietManDisciple]

Since the topic is "My Biggest Concern with Bennett," permit me to state the obvious. Later on today he will lose his 15th consecutive game as head coach. All other problems, contributing factors and/or causes of the worst losing streak in SMU football history may make for interesting conversation and debate but really don't amount to a hill of beans.

This is the first time I've checked out the PonyFans board since the firing of Dement earlier this year. I'm surprised by the cautious optimism and the near absence of angry demands for Bennett's head. While patience may well be what's called for, how patient are people prepared to be and for how long? And what has Bennett done to make anyone believe he is the man to turn this program around?

[Diehard Pony]

And what has Bennett done to make anyone believe he is the man to turn this program around?

From a personal perspective, not much save a couple of pretty decent recruiting classes. I haven't witnessed any other positives. I truly wish I had.

[Otto]

He's done two things:

1. He's shown at K-State, A&M, etc., that he can coach terrific defenses. At the beginning of this season, he had the athletes, he said, to run some schemes that he's wanted to run since his arrival. And they went out and held a very high-powered Tech offense to 24 points. (Since then, injuries have wiped out the safeties and LBs, so he can't use those schemes any more.)

2. Recruiting: he's had classes that have drawn raves -- from the recruiting services, media types and even opposing coaches. I don't care what sportswriters and recruiting services think of a class, but when coaches at other schools talk about the influx of talent, that is extremely encouraging.

[SWC2010]

He's done two things:

1. He's shown at K-State, A&M, etc., that he can coach terrific defenses. At the beginning of this season, he had the athletes, he said, to run some schemes that he's wanted to run since his arrival. And they went out and held a very high-powered Tech offense to 24 points. (Since then, injuries have wiped out the safeties and LBs, so he can't use those schemes any more.)

2. Recruiting: he's had classes that have drawn raves -- from the recruiting services, media types and even opposing coaches. I don't care what sportswriters and recruiting services think of a class, but when coaches at other schools talk about the influx of talent, that is extremely encouraging.

Good call Otto.

I would also add he brings an intensity that will be contagious among the players. Despite the regrettable actions at the end of the TT game, what was obvious to all the fans, players (and future recruits) is that everyone now knows that Bennett is a player's Coach-- someone who will go to the mat for them. In this day & age of self-centered coaches, Bennett is a bit of a throwback to the good ole days... Now, it's time to win the 1st one.

[giacfsp]

Good points. My impression is that the players liked Coach Bennett before the Tech game, and that after seeing him stand up for them, they're even more loyal to him.

And if you've ever talked to Coach Bennett, you know what I mean when I bring up his enthusiasm. I firmly believe that he could take a group that is completely devoid of talent and physical gifts and convince them that they can win - his positive energy and emotion is beyond contageous. His players will develop and grow while he does the same, and they will become winners together. I'm proud he's my coach, and I'll be even more proud when the wins are coming in.

[Sam I Am]

Likeable or not, Bennett is the worst losing coach in the history of SMU football. Like other promising assistant head coaches who got a chance to be the head coach, he hasn't been able to do the job. Either you win or you leave in big time coaching. Toodles.

[BUS]

Bennett is not going anywhere. Well, he will go out and recruit his third good class in a row. ( I give the first class to Cavan )

I hate to see SMU get beat - and dam week after week. It has gotten that SMU is a joke - I know... It has been for a while.

SMU needs to get the Faculty Senate and Board turned around.

IF... big if, SMU would let Bennett go out and get 20 JUCO whatevers and 5 recruits this next year. This team would win 5 to 7 games.

Whatever means with no regard to if they would graduate.