SMU: Where are we at in the Process?

smuhype · Post by **smuhype** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 12:08 am

Well as we complete year 4 will say:

- I am as sick as anyone with our 7-5 result
- Never supported the Pardron pulling in game 1
- Didn't capitalize on the biggest win in our post DP history
- Crowds have bee horrible but sadly expected (just keep wishing somehow it will change)
- We got to tailgate scene by 9AM and was shocked at the lack of turnout

PERSPECTIVE: How great is it to be pissed off at SMU and a 7-5 season!!!???

CONCERN: Does our lack of butts in seats hurt our chances of Big East and/or any other conference consideration --- I would say HELL YES!

Any chance J. Jones begins to check out on SMU as a consequence to the overwhelming lack of support?

Insane_Pony_Posse · Post by **Insane_Pony_Posse** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 12:55 am

was every single line (besides the opening line) of that post something negative?

NomAnor · Post by **NomAnor** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 1:12 am

I think i can I think i can I think i can

gostangs · Post by **gostangs** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 1:17 am

The conference thing is done

June leaving would not be the end of the world at all

when we win more then the expected games in CUSA plus TCU minus Navy minus Tulsa then we will draw

I am optimistic due to pretty strong recruiting.

Long live Klemm and long live Sanders

Charleston Pony · Post by **Charleston Pony** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 8:13 am

while this group is much more competitive since this coaching staff arrived, they haven't been here long enough to build experienced depth and that's what keeps this group from taking that next step. Recruiting the top studs is difficult when we have an announced 14k for senior day (that looked like maybe 8k on TV). Yes, our lack of fans holds us back. It's the main reason we were left behind in the break up of the SWC. We are never going to pack in 80k like so many of the big schools can, but the goal is to pack Ford and that's something I'd like to think SMU can accomplish, but it will take years of winning and having more interested students & alumni. We lost a generation is the post death penalty era so it won't be easy.

As JJ said, it's disappointing...but thanks to those who made it out yesterday to support these guys. And thanks to the senior class for believing they could be a part of turning this program around.

Topper · Post by **Topper** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 8:47 am

Charleston Pony wrote:while this group is much more competitive since this coaching staff arrived, they haven't been here long enough to build experienced depth and that's what keeps this group from taking that next step. Recruiting the top studs is difficult when we have an announced 14k for senior day (that looked like maybe 8k on TV). Yes, our lack of fans holds us back. It's the main reason we were left behind in the break up of the SWC. We are never going to pack in 80k like so many of the big schools can, but the goal is to pack Ford and that's something I'd like to think SMU can accomplish, but it will take years of winning and having more interested students & alumni. We lost a generation is the post death penalty era so it won't be easy.

As JJ said, it's disappointing...but thanks to those who made it out yesterday to support these guys. And thanks to the senior class for believing they could be a part of turning this program around.

I agree with everything you say, particularly the part about our lack of depth. As injuries mount up and the season wears on it really shows. I am embarrassed that recruits and their families can turn on the tv and see 75% of our seats without butts in them. We have big time coaches, a great Boulevard, and above average facilities. But there is no game day atmosphere inside Ford. These kids respond to the adrenalin of a big crowd. We should at least pack our own little house.

ponyte · Post by **ponyte** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 9:03 am

We are now three seasons removed from back to back 1-11 seasons. We are at least in the talk for a BSC conference. We are going bowling for the third straight year. We are getting national attention that isn't related to the Death Penalty.

There is no doubt that overall our athleticism has improved under Jones.

7-5 was a lofty goal at one time. Now it is a disappointment to many. We have had significant injuries and lost our starting QB after two series in the first game. JJMcD was on fire until he started getting banged up pretty good. WE had no back up when he was getting hurt.

The bowl game will be a another big opportunity to show we are turning the corner. I don't
know who or were we play but it will be important from a momentum perspective for this team to get healthy and win.

It isn't all gloom and doom. It is a slow process of turning a program around that has been a loser for decades.

TidePony · Post by **TidePony** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 9:08 am

Yes, things need to improve. But, with some strategic marketing (seat deals of some sort) and finding a way to "make it cool" for the current students to go and stay at the games would be a game day changer. Target the Greeks and the freshman and go from there. Things that are working: the band (very good, but needs to be as large as other BCS programs - but, NEVER change their style - no flag girls, keep the baton twirlers and even add more, and the large brass sound) the fireworks after the touchdowns, and the stadium itself. And, fly about 6 Apache helicopters over the Boulevard 25 minutes before kickoff to get those folks into the stadium. That would be a start.

redpony · Post by **redpony** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 9:27 am

We had a program that was totally lost in the desert for almost 25 yrs. Now we are on the way back. The team and coaches need to understand that we will not fill Ford until we become totally relevant again and also market our product to DFW sports fans.
IMO our lack of marketing has been a major deterrent to getting more fans. We have had better coverage in DMN but that won't put butts in the seats.
I hope the move to the BE will enable us to have the funds available to start a marketing program.

GO PONIES!!!