Frustrated Pony Fan in Ohio - Let's look at the facts

[Hill]

Fellow Fans:

I hate to write this, but it's time to call the program what it is...dead again. We all know this but let me give you a different perspective.

I left Dallas in 1995 to move to Columbus Ohio. At the time I left, the basketball team had just been to the NCAA's, and the football team posted a 5 win season, and 1 more win would have meant bowl eligibility.

In the 9 years since, the basketball team has never come close to the NCAA tournament, the football team is even worse than the basketball team, and with 1 win in 1 1/2 seasons is the worst team performance in the history of our proud program.

The one common denominator in this time frame? Nope, not the coaches, but the Athletic Director. If Copeland were running a corporation, he would have been fired 5 years ago. I'm out of the loop in Columbus, Ohio, but can anyone out there give me a good reason why this guy is still running the program into the ground?

Finally, let me point out the most frustrating part of this football season by taking a look at 3 programs which were comparable to SMU in the last 2 years:

1. UTEP - Last year, this was a team equally as poor as SMU. In 1 season, ONE SEASON, they are a top 25 team and headed to a bowl game, they have to have substantially the same players as last year;

2. Navy - Three years ago, one of the longest losing streaks in the nation, last year a minor bowl game, this year a bowl is likely again;

3. Baylor - a team no better than SMU last year, beat a top 25 team last night, Texas A&M. When was the last time we were even competitive with a top 25 team? 1984?

In conclusion, friends, something is rotten on the Hilltop, maybe Phil Bennett. I hear he is a nice guy. Maybe so, but by comparison to the examples above, he is no football coach.

And, please, let's not hear the Death Penalty excuse, that was 18 YEARS AGO, we either get over it or kill the program ourselves. At this point it would be a merciful death.

Somebody give me a reason not to be frustrated, please. I have had enough, and at the end of my patience with the situation (and my Mustang Club membership).

Thanks for letting me vent!

[BRStang]

Unfortunately, you hit the nail squarely on its head...you have stated my thoughts exactly.

I would add, however, that Bennett is also part of the problem. Yes, he seems like a great guy and is full of enthusiasm. But he hasn't been able to transfer that enthusiasm to the team. Either that, or there is just absolutely no talent there. Either way, he is the captain and the ship is sunk. 1-19 is just unacceptable for a D-1A coach.

Unless something SERIOUS is done at the end of this season, I, too, will not re-up my contribution to the M-Club. I am SICK and TIRED of throwing my hard-earned money away! I have also decided that I will not be renewing my season tickets. My wife and I have also cancelled our plans to attend homecoming this year. I was there last year, but there is absolutely no point this year.

I love SMU--that will never change. I will continue to give my annual contribution to the endowment fund. But I cannot keep giving my money (AND MY SANITY) to this program unless those running the program decide to give something back.

[davidsmu94]

Well Said!!

[Diehard Pony]

Hill and BRStang your combined posts have captured my feelings about the program completely. The part that makes it worse is that Copeland and Bennett are a major part of the problem. It would take a sugar daddy to resolve that issue, and precluding that I expect more of the same. What would lead any rationale person who has witnessed any of the last 20 games to feel otherwise. Preparation and game day coaching are the worst I have ever witnessed, and blowouts by very mediocre teams have become the norm. Baylor beats a top 25 team, and we can't even be competitive with the dregs.

SMU football is something I have enjoyed for many years. Even in years when we were not very good we would surprise someone, or at least play competitively in several games. What I have seen over the last 3 years has not been entertaining, it's been ridiculous. It's not a hopeless situation, but I'm not optimistic short of some major changes being made.

As I have posted several times previously, I am looking forward to basketball, and Coach Jimmy Tubbs, one of the few good decisions Copeland has made and it was a layup.

[DallasDiehard]

I'm also looking forward to basketball.
And to another football win (I hope) before the season's out!

[D1Football]

1989-Rebuilding (young team)
1990-Rebuilding (young team)
1991-Rebuilding (young team)
1992-Rebuilding (young team)
1993-Rebuilding (young team)
1994-Rebuilding (young team)
1995-Rebuilding (young team)
1996-Rebuilding (young team)
1997-Rebuilding (young team)
1998-Rebuilding (young team)
1999-Rebuilding (young team)
2000-Rebuilding (young team)
2001-Rebuilding (young team)
2002-Rebuilding (young team)
2003-Rebuilding (young team)
2004-Rebuilding (young team)
2005-Let me guess, Rebuilding (young team)

It took Central Expressway faster to rebuild than the pace we are going.

A little bit tired of the "We're a young team in a rebuilding stage". That is a poor excuse.

Completely agree with what you stated on UTEP, Baylor, Navy's programs
Also look at TCU--great turn around!

Winning teams equals revenue. Take the loss on the buyout on Bennett's contract and go after a respectable coach. Toledo from UCLA, Neuheisel from Washington haven't been coaching in a few years and they are good coaches--won't have to spend top dollar on these guys. Maybe Zook? Let's be realistic on Spurrier and Switzer--that is far fetched.

I am not renewing my football tickets until SMU takes football seriously. Would rather mow the yard on Saturday.

Copeland, are you proud of your hires?

[davidsmu94]

Do you think Chow from USC would take the job?

[HixsontoLeVias]

OHIO MUSTANG.....put your "Mustang worries" aside for a moment....you need to focus on a BUSH VICTORY in your state Tues....we NEED ya!!

[EastStang]

Let's look at it rationally shall we. First, Copeland does not make admissions policies, the Board of Trustees does. Until 2001, SMU could not contact a recruit who did not already have qualifying test scores and grades. Second, Copeland AND a Committee hired Bennett and Cavan. These committees included some of our most successful (and wealthy alums). Third, Price has the luxury of being able to sign kids who could not get into SMU or transfer hours to SMU. We still have problems with JUCO recruits getting hours transferable. We still don't have any athlete friendly majors. So, you want changes, point your finger at the root cause, the Board of Trustees who dictate these policies. If you want to vent, write a letter individually to each of the Trustees, the more they receive, the more they'll understand the gravity of the situation. This cannot be solved by firing the Coach or the AD.

[DiamondM75]

EastStang

You are correct sir! We need to get a mailing list of the board of trustees and make it public for all athletic supporters. They need to be informed how modern day college athletic programs function.

[Johnny Rock]

Eaststang is correct. The policies in place make it extremely difficult for an AD or coach to have success in the revenue sports. The school is not behind the athletic program at all. For instance, TCU has had success in revenue sports because the univeristy is on the same page. TCU supports its athletic program. They make it as easy as possible for the coaches to succeed, i.e., recruiting policies, facility upgrades in both football and basketball. On the other hand, SMU refuses to fully embrace the athletic department to help it succeed. Why in the hell have we not upgraded our basketball facilities? With the amount of money SMU has, we should have the nicest basketball arena in the state! I attended the homecoming game last year and was embarresed by the lack of turnout from the alums. Not that I want to disclose my identity to some of you on this board for fear of my safety but I graduated in 96 and very few of alums my age even bother showing up to games. Sad but true.

[SMUstang]

I attended the homecoming game last year and was embarresed by the lack of turnout from the alums. Not that I want to disclose my identity to some of you on this board for fear of my safety but I graduated in 96 and very few of alums my age even bother showing up to games. Sad but true.

Johnny, even sadder but truer, very few of the students in your class attended football games when the games were played at Ownby Stadium, just a short distance from the frat houses and dorms. I walked past the frat houses on my way to the games and couldn't believe the indifferent attitude of the students I saw.

[Southland]

Do you think Chow from USC would take the job?

Norm Chow makes more money at USC than half the head coaches in the Pac 10 -- and USC paid for his house in the South Bay. He's not going to Washington, let alone SMU.

[Hill]

Sorry guys, but I'm not buying the excuses I received to my original posting. Here's why:

1. Mike Price did not sign enough JUCO players in 1 recruiting season to turn a perrenial loser into a top 25 bowl team, sorry, but it's called coaching. He was also a late hire, and did not even sign that many JUCO's. Besides, we are also signing JUCO's.

2. Navy does not have "user friendly" classes for athletes, and they are 7 - 1; don't tell me our academic standards are tougher than a military academy;

3. Baylor - please, you are telling me that Baylor is some sort of football factory, with user friendly classes and great JUCO players? No way.

Our facilities are better, our alumni base is better, we have been done a great disservice by the administration.

[Mexmustang]

AMEN!