PSCA wrote:The 2013 sch is a long way off right now, perception and opinion on how the team will fare will change a dozen times between now and then ... based on 2012 results, individual player development, recruiting, sch changes etc. Let’s get through a solid 2012 season first. I disagree the coaches and certainly the players don’t expect a successful 2012 … they do. Mason feels this is the best "D" he has had since arriving at SMU (top 20 potential, and disappointment if it’s not), and one of his best ever. Some think we beat a Pitt team that was down, I think we beat a Pitt team that had a HUGE chip on its shoulder and wanted badly to give Todd Graham and company a very special "middle finger take that with you as you go moment". A Pitt team that beat ND, 16th ranked USF, and narrow loses to ranked Cinci and WV. I’ve played on a team in that scenario, and they can/often rally to a high level.
I think the "D" will be better this year even w/o TT or Crawford ... and so does coach Mason. He said that last year and he was right (26th ranking). I think we have the very real possibility to be Top 20. Margus will continue to rise, Tolran will be better, and when you have all 4 of your starting LB's returning in a 3-4 scheme ... that is Huge. The secondary will be solid ... throw in (Spike, Grenier, Barnes, Wood, Pope, Joyner, Seal and others ... oh yes that wonderful thing known as depth.. Note: Brandon Henderson is back), and IMO, I think the "D" can be special. Like they say, "Defense wins championships" ... I think ours will have us knocking at the door. I also think ... besides the usual suspects (stars), we will see a couple of guys join that group now that they have a year of game exp and serious playing time under their belts. When you are comfortable and confident in what you see and what you are doing ... you play faster and your production goes up. I saw that the back half of the season last year with some guys ... Coach Mason has also made that comment ... yes I believe in Mason.
I think, as we all hope, we will be pleasantly surprised by the "O". Young line yes, but we have some exp to build a foundation on and I think the young guns that have been in the system will step-up. The running game will keep aggressive "D's" honest. GG in the shot-gun can quick hit them to death if need be and run when he has to. I also think GG will pick up the scheme or at least at level to be successful. Adding Timmy Chang to mentor not just GG, but the group will pay dividends.
1) 8-4 regular season ... I'll be surprised if we don't. I think we beat USM and Tulsa at Home .. UCF will be the challenge on the Road. I think we beat TCU again at home ... come up short with A&M ... and while we may not, I will not be shocked if we beat Baylor. So, 9-3 is not out of the question IMO, but a good reach.
2) We beat UCF in the conference Championship ... 9-4 (I'll put the Baylor hope to the side on this)
3) Not ready to predict a W/L in the Bowl yet
So, 9-5 ... or 10-4 ... very nice either way. As with any season, so much will depend on key injuries or lack their of for SMU or our competition
Outstanding post. Thanks for your alternate point of view. Go Mustangs!
