CFN: 2013 SMU Preview

[Harry0569]

I have checked CFN everyday for the past 2 months waiting for our preview and here it is!
http://cfn.scout.com/2/1308739.html

[Harry0569]

First line:
At what point does SMU start finding mediocrity a little annoying and unacceptable?

"NOW"

-says every member on PonyFans

[Harry0569]

That preview was probably the best (well-written, accurate) preview I have read in the last 5 years.

[Grant Carter]

It is a good article.

[ponyinNC]

nice

[StallionsModelT]

Well written and balanced.

[mustangxc]

Thanks for sharing. That is a fair assessment.

[PonyPlayer4]

Great preview. Always enjoy reading their edition. Can't wait for 2 a days, then the season. Lots of questions still.

[StallionsModelT]

Biggest question marks in my mind:

1. Can our young front seven hold up against a tougher schedule?
2. Will we see the Gilbert of the last 4-5 games for a full season?
3. Can we find four WR's that can actually catch and create separation?
4. Can the coaching staff keep the team focused for a full season?
5. Will we still run to the sidelines to get the plays?

[blackoutpony]

That was a great and extremely accurate assessment. Thanks Harry

[Mexmustang]

The comments from some former players about the team are as follows:

Our biggest problem this year is a schedule much tougher than fans realize. Everyone knows about TTU, A&M, and TCU, but the rest of the schedule is very tough. Rutgers, UConn and Cincinnati are better that people think.

We should be faster than most former Big East teams, but we have to hold our offensive possessions.

They can see us beat TTU, but then lose to Montana State--again a team fans and the players very much underestimate. Losing the Baylor game for Montana State does nothing for the program and it could make Montana St's year.

Last years QB play was the worst in five years--especially the first half of the season. If the team can get consistent play from the QB we have a chance in most games.

The defense was on the field for over 100 plays in three games last year. Last year's defense was pretty good, despite a depleted secondary. Given that a number of defensive players are also on special teams, a kid could have been on the field for over 125-30 play in a single game. Our defense cannot survive that number of plays--see Tulsa last year. The offense must hold onto the ball and the defense will bring its game.

Despite losing Zach Line, we will have the best running game in five years--maybe since the death penalty. Backfield blocking may not be as consistent.

Our linebackers could end up actually better by year-end that last years. But, they could also be lost in the first three games.

We will go to the "hurry up" a percentage of the game.

Makes a lot of sense to me, especially the comments about our defense.

[Rebel10]

Our defense won a lot of games for SMU last year. The defense scored a good amount of points.

[Grant Carter]

The comments from some former players about the team are as follows:

Our biggest problem this year is a schedule much tougher than fans realize. Everyone knows about TTU, A&M, and TCU, but the rest of the schedule is very tough. Rutgers, UConn and Cincinnati are better that people think.

We should be faster than most former Big East teams, but we have to hold our offensive possessions.

They can see us beat TTU, but then lose to Montana State--again a team fans and the players very much underestimate. Losing the Baylor game for Montana State does nothing for the program and it could make Montana St's year.

Last years QB play was the worst in five years--especially the first half of the season. If the team can get consistent play from the QB we have a chance in most games.

The defense was on the field for over 100 plays in three games last year. Last year's defense was pretty good, despite a depleted secondary. Given that a number of defensive players are also on special teams, a kid could have been on the field for over 125-30 play in a single game. Our defense cannot survive that number of plays--see Tulsa last year. The offense must hold onto the ball and the defense will bring its game.

Despite losing Zach Line, we will have the best running game in five years--maybe since the death penalty. Backfield blocking may not be as consistent.

Our linebackers could end up actually better by year-end that last years. But, they could also be lost in the first three games.

We will go to the "hurry up" a percentage of the game.

Makes a lot of sense to me, especially the comments about our defense.

Thank you. How recently did the players who made those comments play?

[Mexmustang]

When I was in school--the 60's-70's. They are also successful businessmen and boosters.

[Harry0569]

Our defense won a lot of games for SMU last year. The defense scored a good amount of points.

We had 8 TAINTs (TD after INT) and 21 INTs. I think we also recovered over 60% of forced fumbles. Statistically, the likelihood of ANY of those happening this year are extremely/impossibly low. Since we are due to come back down to Earth this season, we have got to hope and pray our offense finally produces and extends/finishes drives with TDs. No more consecutive 3 and outs.