OBSERVATIONS FROM RICE

[ALEX LIFESON]

First I want to say I have seen most SMU games since 1989, and this was one of the most disappointing games I have ever witnessed.
The team appeared to spit out the bit early.
I sat right behind our bench a number of times in the first half, and there weren't any players yelling in anger, or screaming encouragement.
There were just blank emotionless faces, going through the motions of yet another slavemaster beating.
Week after week, special teams continue to meltdown.
Our offense could not score a touchdown on Rice's first team defense.
This was the same Rice defense, that gave up seventy points to San Jose one week ago.
Their LBs and secondary looked like high school sized players
For example #30 Stephen Woods is listed at a generous 5-11 205.
Most of their secondary were 5-9 or 5-8 175lb players.
They out hustled, and out fought our players.
Our OL. was bigger than theirs, but Rice's OL. dominated our DL.
Our defensive players were frequently in position to make a tackle, but you have heard it before (failed to wrap up)
Rice could have scored 51 points, but they had mercy, and took a knee on our goal line at the games end.
We hear so much about our youth; well I kept the program handy and Rice started one senior, one junior, and three sophomores on their OL.
Their 5-11 185lb freshman QB. was starting his first game, and he had 138 yards rushing on 14 carries.
Another fresman RB BIAYE BENIBO had 123 yards on 10 carries.
Their big bruising fullback is 5-9 210, Bailey, rushed for 158 yards and four touchdowns.
This was an SMU team that CLEARLY had more size, and better athletes than their opponent.
Rice also equal or better SAT scores.
I feel sorry for the SMU fans from the Houston area. They came to see this team take a massive dump on the field.
2002 Rice 27 SMU 15
2003 Rice 41 SMU 20
2004 Rice 44 SMU 10
These scores show we are not closing the gap on Rice.
THIS IS RICE!!!!!!!!!! NOT OKLAHOMA OR USC!!!!!!
I feel sorry for the people in the athletic department trying to sell this disaster of a football program to Dallas!
We have alot of experience on defense. There are no excuses for these types of performances.
This defense is statistically one of the worst in the United States.
Big Al is sick of spending his time, money, and putting my heart in a team that embaresses and breaks my heart week after week, and year after depressing year.

[Stallion]

not to mention its a good thing we basically faced Rice's SECOND string offensive backfield with Henderson, Lott and Rucker out. 495 yards rushing by Rice's second string backfield. This does rank as quite an achievement.

[BIGHORSE]

I COULDNT HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF

EVERY YEAR I HAVE FALSE HOPES ABOUT

THIS TEAM, AND THEY GET CRUSHED.

[Mare]

BINGO! Where do we go from here?

[Sam I Am]

They shoot horses don't they.

[2112]

SMU being dominated by the FRICKIN' RICE OWLS 44-10 is not acceptable anymore!!!!!!!! The players should be embarrased as much as the poor SMU fans that wasted their time, and hard earned money to watch that debacle!!!!!! I wonder if we can get a refund, due to a lack of effort? That was PATHETIC!!!!!!!!!!!

[EastStang]

Bennett clearly has problems coaching against a veer offense. Navy and Rice have killed us with it. I didn't see the game, so I don't know where he missed the boat. Perhaps his corners weren't supporting the run. The linemen were overmatched. The backers were out of position. We don't face another veer this year do we?

[GUNPERUNA]

I agree with you 100% Alex Lifeson. The only people getting enjoyment out of SMU atheletics are those who love to spend a nice afternoon watching a swimming match or good ole head to head tennis!!!

SOS

[Stallion]

plus this year you can't even get a suntan during the game!

[PonySnob]

The program appears to be as dead today as it was in 1987!!

[2112]

Ryan Mentzel has to pick it up or be relaced. I think his punt average is 31 yards a game, and 27 yards against Rice! And his release is so slow, the bad snap didn't help on the blocked punt.

[PK]

Ryan Mentzel has to pick it up or be relaced. I think his punt average is 31 yards a game, and 27 yards against Rice! And his release is so slow, the bad snap didn't help on the blocked punt.

Just for the record, excluding the blocked punt, his average in the Rice game was 36.3 yds with a long of 47 yds. Not spectacular, but better than the misleading "27 yds" quoted. His year to date average is 41.3 yds with a long of 52 yds.

[2112]

I was misinformed, thanks for the info. But he still needs to pick it up.

[Corso]

41 yards per isn't that bad, unless they're all line drives that allow long returns before the coverage gets downfield. I'd be curious to know his average hangtime (good NFL punters have a hangtime of 4.5-5 seconds. I think).

[PK]

Just to clarify, the 27 yds is the official average for the Rice game for four punts, but that includes the blocked punt. However, as you said, that block wasn't all his fault. And yes he does need to do better, but seems like that game was not good for us in any area.