Great Defense

[Mustangs35SMU]

So you also think it is better to look good than to win. Glad you were never on my team.

If SMU's offense looked like a real offense, this game would've been over at the half. Instead, it was left open until the last half of the 4th quarter. One mistake and UTEP was right back in that game. Thankfully, UTEP has just as many problems on offense as SMU does.

[JasonB]

I think that anyone who doesn't see the progression forward with our offense over the past couple of weeks is not paying attention, either. We are actually moving the ball pretty consistently. Not where we want it to be, and it is frustrating with Zach not consistently getting yardage and missing plays we should get (whether QB accuracy or WR drops).

But it really is getting better. Hopefully the trend of improvement will continue over the next couple of games.

[sbsmith]

I think that anyone who doesn't see the progression forward with our offense over the past couple of weeks is not paying attention, either. We are actually moving the ball pretty consistently. Not where we want it to be, and it is frustrating with Zach not consistently getting yardage and missing plays we should get (whether QB accuracy or WR drops).

But it really is getting better. Hopefully the trend of improvement will continue over the next couple of games.

You're right it is getting better, just gotta work on that whole scoring points thing. I hear it's a big part of offensive football. I'm hoping for a whole 3 TDs versus a FBS opponent next week.

[Junior]

So you also think it is better to look good than to win. Glad you were never on my team.

You're conflating the following: winning with style, and looking good winning so as to project how well you'll perform against better competition. We're doing the latter, you're thinking we're doing the former. Having an offense looking as stagnant as it has is probably going to get us in trouble against the more decent teams in CUSA. If you're feeling confident going up against UCF and Tulsa just because we beat UTEP, then cool for you. Many of us don't share your optimism.

i think it's safe to say we've faced our toughest opponents.

[Stallion]

I'd like to say I saw offensive improvement-thought I would- but all I saw was much weaker competition. But any road win should be celebrated.

[Charleston Pony]

I'd like to say I saw offensive improvement-thought I would- but all I saw was much weaker competition. But any road win should be celebrated.

and that's the point. After getting whipped twice already on our home field and still having Houston and Tulsa coming to Ford, we have to win several road games to keep any positive momentum going (by that I mean AT LEAST another 8-5 season and bowl game).

[mrydel]

Why is everyone so concerned with the games we have already played? They are over and we cannot change the crappy play we demonstrated. And why is everyone concerned about the games we have not played? Every team is different and preparation is different for every team.

I am not happy with the offensive performance. I am disillusioned with Jones since the ASU thing. But pitching a shutout on the road against anyone is something to cheer about rather than nitpicking our shortcomings and wailing about the future. Just fetal position yourselves and moan away if that is all that makes you happy but I for one will rejoice in the win until the next bump in the road jars me back to earth.

[Treadway21]

Agree with everything mrydel said. As the Obama campaign instructs is: Forward.

PS: kudos to the D for throwing two shut outs in the season - for the first time since 1983. That is something to be proud of.

[Pony in SA]

Hope we get another shut out this week, and agree with other post hope things come together so blow out and can rest Zach, JG, Reed some other key guys for short Houston week.

[well travelled pony]

Why is everyone so concerned with the games we have already played? They are over and we cannot change the crappy play we demonstrated. And why is everyone concerned about the games we have not played? Every team is different and preparation is different for every team.

I am not happy with the offensive performance. I am disillusioned with Jones since the ASU thing. But pitching a shutout on the road against anyone is something to cheer about rather than nitpicking our shortcomings and wailing about the future. Just fetal position yourselves and moan away if that is all that makes you happy but I for one will rejoice in the win until the next bump in the road jars me back to earth.

I am with you mrydel. The defense was pretty good and is showing signs of improvement. We were getting a good push up front, the LBs hanging tough, and even the d backs looking better.

The offense needs to get it together. Gilbert needs to find his practice touch in the game. Yes, the WRs were not great, but plenty of bad passes too.

I am over JJ. I hoped for so much more, but even listen to him in the post game. Sounds like a NFL coach, "rookies," "playoffs." I think the staff has done a good job coaching the kids up, but as we all lament, there needs to be more emphasis on recruiting.

But again, way to go D!!!

Go Ponies!

[PonySnob]

Yeah! We can't be WVU offense every game

Have we ever been?

[westexSMU]

Coach Tom Mason has done an amazing job with this defense, especially with the injuries in the secondary. We need to make sure Coach Mason stays at SMU.

[couch 'em]

Funny how we went from a HC known for defense that was out shown by his OC to a HC known for offense who gets shown up by his DC. The hilltop truly is bizarre-o world.

[ponyte]

Listen to the game so didn't see any of the game. A big win on the road against a favored opponent. Nicely do e Mustangs. It sounded like we were solid. Finally got some turnovers and decent punting. Now beat Tulane. Congrats to the team and coaches. This was a must win.

[mrydel]

Listen to the game so didn't see any of the game. A big win on the road against a favored opponent. Nicely do e Mustangs. It sounded like we were solid. Finally got some turnovers and decent punting. Now beat Tulane. Congrats to the team and coaches. This was a must win.

What I did see watching was Gilbert throwing a lot off of his back foot. When he steps into the throw he is much better. His back foot throws were due to the rush but I think think it was more of him making late decisions rather than OL blocking. Hopefully he can pick up quicker reads and things might begin to gel some for the offense. The defense looked very solid.