Baylor Already Throwing Down The Challenge

[50's PONY]

This year's disappointment hasn't put a damper on next year's hope.

"I know you've heard this before," sophomore safety Maurice Linguist said, "but it would really shock me if we didn't go to a bowl game. I think our first three games are SMU, Army and Samford. I know (two of them) are on the road. But if we're expecting to be Big 12 players and a Big 12 team, there's no reason we should lose to Samford, SMU or Army. I don't care where you play them."

Morriss has the same kind of optimism, even if it's somewhat guarded.

"I think next year could be a key year," he said. "If we go out next year and win three again, that's not good. But if we can find a way to get six . . . you get in a bowl. And that's what kids want coming out of high school. They want to be able to go play in bowls. It sends a signal out there to your high school kids that, 'Hey, these guys are getting better.' And then you start getting in on some kids that you wouldn't be able to."

[Water Pony]

I love their assumption about us and I wouldn't bet against Army and Ross. Samford is 1AA, so that is a W.

Big game for both teams and I expect Phil to have the Ponies ready for the Bears.

[Hilltopper]

Hell yes we'll be ready. They barely beat us last year, and from what I've seen, we've improved as much or more than they have. It will be interesting to watch next year.

[SCAMP6381]

If the Bears think we will be a pushover automatic win they'll be suprised. I expect our MUSTANGS to be a better team next year. I don't think next year Mustangs are going to lay down for anyone. We have guys coming up who I know would have helped this year.MUSTANGS FULL STAMPEDE AHEAD KICK [deleted] AND TAKE NAMES We're no one's WHIPPING BOYS GO MUSTANGS KICK BUTT

[gostangs]

This question would be for Stallion or anyone else who follows recruiting - I did not feel last year Baylor had much, if any, of a talent edge on us - I could be wrong but the on field performance did not seem much different - how have things gone since then recruiting wise? - will they have pulled ahead relative to talent on the field or are we still about even?

[PonyTales]

Having been at the game in Waco, you're right - there was no discernable difference in talent. A few mistakes cost us the game. I don't know specifically what they've added, but I don't remember being blown away by their recruits the last two years. Recruiting Guru? Stallion?

The one player who they have who's a big-time player is DE Khari Long .... and he's gone after this year. I saw OU play Baylor, and he beat THREE blockers on a single play to sack Jason White. He's a stud.

[gostangs]

Its interesting what a difference a year makes - at the beginning of this year I would have said we had a much better shot at Baylor then TCU out of these two home games. Now, I think the reverse. Beating either would show the progress I think we need to see - neither would be VERY disappointing, and both would be heaven.

[MrMustang1965]

Was the Baylor v. TA$MU game just an enigma or an anomaly?

[Mustangs35SMU]

I think the Baylor game is going to outline the season

I do expect us to be 2-1 after the TCU, Baylor, and A&M game..If we are 1-2 Ill take it as a disappointment and we sure as hell better not go 0-3..but 3-0 Ill take that

[Eddie P]

I like your optimism...but I think 1-2 is a more realistic possibility with 0-3 not out of the question by any stretch. TCU didn't have a good year, but they killed us and ATM is a good team as well.

[jtstang]

I do expect us to be 2-1 after the TCU, Baylor, and A&M game..If we are 1-2 Ill take it as a disappointment and we sure as hell better not go 0-3..but 3-0 Ill take that

I love sunshiners.

[Cheesesteak]

Early September in Ford Stadium - SMU will be ready for Baylor.

We need to improve to win because Baylor will likely put an improved team on the field in 2005.

Go Mustangs.

[Sic_em]

I think that Baylor did improve this year. In 6 of their 8 conference games, they kept it close in the first half. While that doesn't sound like much, it's a huge improvement over the Kevin Steele era, where virtually all Big 12 games were out of reach by the half.

Morriss' first two recruiting classes have not been spectacular, but there is a noticeable improvement in recruiting this year, based on their current verbals.

BU should have beaten Iowa State this year and could have beaten Missouri if they could have mustered any kind of offense that night. Consistency was the main problem, when the offense played well, the defense didn't and vice-versa. A&M was the one game where they put it all together and avoided turnovers (another huge problem this season).

It's hard to say how much Baylor has improved versus SMU's improvement. As another poster said, the teams were relatively even when they played in 2003, so it will be interesting to see what happens in 2005.

[Sam I Am]

I will settle for being 1-2 in the opening games. Bennett has a terrible September record.

[Captain E J Smith]

I foresee clear sailing!
Properly arranged deck chairs.
and most important - Lots of ice!