BEN GOTTSCHALK: Evidence of improvement

[PonyPride]

Junior offensive tackle Ben Gottschalk said Tuesday that he - like any competitive player - absolutely hates losing, and therefore is far from satisfied with SMU’s 1-3 record. But he also said that he has seen improvement in his team, and specifically in the offense.

"We're getting better - there's no question we're getting better," Gottschalk said. "We have improved as a (offensive line) unit, and as an offense. We have talent, but you have to get used to the guys you play with. We're doing that. You can work on that in practice, and we do, but there is no replacement for getting to play games with each other."

When watching film after a game, Gottschalk said he evaluates his own performance first, then the performance of the offensive line as a group, and finally looks at the offense. Despite modest statistics in a game played in steady rain and wind, Gottschalk said the offense, and specifically quarterback Garrett Gilbert, look visibly better. Gilbert completed 15 of 40 passes Saturday for 190 yards. He also threw a touchdown and five interceptions and was sacked four times by the stout TCU defense.

"It's weird to say that after a game with interceptions and sacks, but (Gilbert) is playing a lot better," Gottschalk said. "You can see he's getting more comfortable. Any time it rains like that, a lot of balls get dropped, and there were a lot Saturday. But he made a lot of throws that were on target and on time, throws that go as incompletions in the stats."

Gottschalk pointed out that Gilbert's increased familiarity and comfort level with his new teammates and with the offense itself has allowed head coach June Jones to expand the playbook, in part by calling longer pass plays than he did in the first few games of the season because of increased confidence in the line's ability to keep opposing pass rushers at bay longer. The increased array of plays at Jones's disposal, Gottschalk said, mark a trend that should continue as the Ponies' new quarterback gets more playing time with his new team.

"We know he can make the throws," Gottschalk said. "He has shown that, even in the rain the other night. What that means, and as we get better on the line, we can do more things. Garrett was able to stay in the pocket for four or five seconds the other night, instead of maybe two or three seconds in the Baylor game, so the receivers have more time to run downfield and he can throw more deep routes. Now we're not limited to mostly five- and 10-yard routes. Coach Jones can call more 20-yard routes, too, because we can give Garrett more time to throw and he can make those throws. We gave up a few sacks against (Texas) A&M and TCU. They're both very good defenses, and playing defenses like that just makes us better. I know - we know - we've been playing good defenses, and that will be good for us."

"(Gilbert) is playing better, and he seems more comfortable. He has more confidence in the huddle, and he just seems to have a bigger presence back there. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but you can see it and hear it in his voice. He's more comfortable each week, and that will just continue."

Gottschalk and the Mustangs are now gearing up to head to El Paso to face a UTEP Miners team that Gottschalk said appears to be better than its 1-4 record. The Miners, who have given up an average of 29 points per game through five games, feature an offense that presents some new challenges for the SMU offensive line, although Gottschalk said he remains confident the Mustangs's blockers will continue to protect Gilbert and open lanes for running back Zach Line.

"They're pretty athletic," Gottschalk said of the Miners' defense. "They use a lot of blitzes, and they give unusual looks, like when they go to a 3-3 (three down linemen and three linebackers, with five defensive backs) with their middle 'backer jumping all around, but nothing we shouldn't be able to figure out."

[SMU1990]

Isn't Ben a Junior?

[PonyPride]

You're absolutely right.
My mistake - thanks for the heads-up.

[birddogger]

I am an optimist, but not a sunshiner. Ben's comments are noteworthy, as he's in far better position than any of us to evaluate the team's attitude, progress, and what remains to be done.

I did not read anything that suggests to me that the team has tanked. And his observations that GG is gaining confidence and that the line is jelling is encouraging. Perhaps we'll see marked improvement on the offensive side of the ball over the next few games.

Thanks PP for reporting what the players are thinking and doing. It's a refreshing change from reading the tirades of the old men on this board (ex-players excepted).

[PonyPride]

I am an optimist, but not a sunshiner. Ben's comments are noteworthy, as he's in far better position than any of us to evaluate the team's attitude, progress, and what remains to be done.

I did not read anything that suggests to me that the team has tanked. And his observations that GG is gaining confidence and that the line is jelling is encouraging. Perhaps we'll see marked improvement on the offensive side of the ball over the next few games.

Thanks PP for reporting what the players are thinking and doing. It's a refreshing change from reading the tirades of the old men on this board (ex-players excepted).

Thanks ... and you're right. I have seen nothing from any players that indicates anything that even remotely resembles "tanking." This seems like a resilient bunch. There's no question that the players and coaches would prefer to be 4-0 - they're competitive guys - but to a man, they sound optimistic and confident going forward.

[Junior]

GG had five picks? Didn't realize that. Man, that's crappy for any QB at any level under any circumstances.