CFN Prediction: Texas A&M 52 … SMU 23

[Harry0569]

SMU (1-1) at Texas A&M (2-1) Sept. 21, 7:00, ESPN

Why You Should Give A Hoot: The rest of Texas A&M’s 2013 life begins with a visit from SMU, a former rival from the old Southwest Conference days. In the game of the year so far, the Aggies fell short against Alabama, 49-42, in a thriller that left few fans disappointed and most out of breath. Head coach Kevin Sumlin needs to refocus the troops, knowing that the ‘Bama was a setback, but a long season ahead means that no goals have been stricken from the list. The Mustangs come out of their bye week knowing that they have to play much better to entertain thoughts of the postseason. Save for a late rally against Montana State of the FCS, the Ponies would be winless at this point.
Why SMU Might Win: ‘Bama exposed many of the weaknesses in the Texas A&M defense. heck, so did Rice and Sam Houston State, for that matter. The Aggies have issues, especially when attempting to stop the run. They’re 115th in the country, which will invite June Jones to call for more runs from 233-pound Prescott Line if former Longhorn Traylon Shead is unable to suit up. Of course, the Mustangs won’t be bashful about testing the airways with QB Garrett Gilbert and receivers Darius Joseph and Jeremy Johnson.
Why Texas A&M Might Win: The Aggies did things to Nick Saban’s defense that no one else has ever been able to do. Sure, A&M lost in College Station, but to no fault of a high-powered offense averaging more than 600 yards a game. SMU is laboring in pass defense, a harrowing reality with QB Johnny Manziel and WR Mike Evans next up on the schedule. The Manziel-to-Evans connection has been unstoppable, already producing 20 grabs for 518 yards and three scores.
Who To Watch Out For: Alright, who’s going to step up for the Aggie D? The unit is going to get better, because it can’t get much worse, and because formerly suspended players, like LB Steven Jenkins, have yet to hit their strides after just one game.

- Any hope of upsetting the Aggies will require the Mustangs to have success on the ground. If it becomes a shootout between Manziel and Gilbert, SMU will be DOA by early in the third quarter.

- SMU is still adjusting to changes along both lines. Manziel won’t feel much pressure, while backs Ben Malena and Tra Carson reach the second level before feeling much contact.
What Will Happen: The hangover effect might certainly be in play since last week’s showdown with the Tide was so emotionally draining. Texas A&M can simply outgun SMU, a team that’s eminently flawed on both sides of the ball. The familiar refrain of Manziel to Evans will again light up an opponent, piling up big numbers in the process. After clearing their heads, the Aggies will operate like a team that still has plenty of goals left to reach in 2013.
Prediction: Texas A&M 52 … SMU 23
Line: Texas A&M -28.5 – O/U: 80.5
Must See Rating: (5 The Presidents’ Gatekeepers – 1 Million Second Quiz) … 3

[ponyte]

I believe the second half will determine the win/lose of the game (assuming we don't screw up another onside kick in the 1st quarter). Their depth will be the big issue.

And their depth with talent will challange us. If the O can produce, that will be our salvation.

[JoeKidd]

O-Keys to the Game

1. No turnovers (This is obvious)
2. Convert third-downs to keep JM sidelined (We have done this better and sustained drives longer this yr.)
3. Score a TD every time we are in the red-zone, (No field goals or this will get ugly)

D-Keys to the Game

1. Create Turnovers (Obvious)
2. Pressure Manziel without letting him scramble (Easier said then done)
3. Hit Them in the Mouth (All Day Long)

Above and we will keep this interesting late into the game, where I agree with PonyTe our depth especially on D will become a liability.

[Harry0569]

Aside from the TCU game in 2011, when was the last time we started a regular season game off against a AQ foe with a bang?

Hoping we buck the trend in this game, but I fear this could get ugly early.

[PonySnob]

Aside from the TCU game in 2011, when was the last time we started a regular season game off against a AQ foe with a bang?

Hoping we buck the trend in this game, but I fear this could get ugly early.

Kansas to open Ford Stadium.........

[Harry0569]

Aside from the TCU game in 2011, when was the last time we started a regular season game off against a AQ foe with a bang?

Hoping we buck the trend in this game, but I fear this could get ugly early.

Kansas to open Ford Stadium.........

Does 13 years ago count... ?

That precedes my SMU fandom.

[ponyte]

Washington State, Pitt.

[ponyboy]

We started against Tech, so the A&M game doesn't count in that category. Still, we have lacked fire in this type of early season nonconference game. I want to see some fire. The same descriptors that used to describe Tom Landry -- calm, professional, level headed -- also describe JJ. Not always a good thing for the 1970's Cowboys. Not always a good thing for SMU.

[ponyte]

Meyer's teams were all business. It upset Collins that his teams were not 'up' for the game. The culture Meyer put in place wasn't about emotion; it was about intensity, preparation and focus. Sure, there was emotion but that wasn't the culture.

The culture was hard very work, attention to detail, preparation, and practice like you will play and go out there and perform like a professional (no pun intended). Emotions have a place; however intensity worked much better for Meyer.

Emotions, getting fired up and worked into a frenzy works well for about a quarter. Then intensity and preparation come to play. Nothing wrong with emotions, but I would rather see an intense, focused team that is prepared to execute than a wild-eyed frenzy. E

Emotions can be deflated by adversity. Intensity and focus can maintain a playing edge even when adversity hits. Kinda like Alabama against A$M. No panic, no emotions, just refocus on execution and intensity of play.

[smumustang1980]

Meyer's teams were all business. It upset Collins that his teams were not 'up' for the game. The culture Meyer put in place wasn't about emotion; it was about intensity, preparation and focus. Sure, there was emotion but that wasn't the culture.

The culture was hard very work, attention to detail, preparation, and practice like you will play and go out there and perform like a professional (no pun intended). Emotions have a place; however intensity worked much better for Meyer.

Emotions, getting fired up and worked into a frenzy works well for about a quarter. Then intensity and preparation come to play. Nothing wrong with emotions, but I would rather see an intense, focused team that is prepared to execute than a wild-eyed frenzy. E

Emotions can be deflated by adversity. Intensity and focus can maintain a playing edge even when adversity hits. Kinda like Alabama against A$M. No panic, no emotions, just refocus on execution and intensity of play.

Ponyte, thank you for this insight. I wish Meyer's culture of hard work and professionalism would find a home once again at SMU.

[Harry0569]

From ESPN:

SMU at TEXAS A&M

Aschoff: The Aggies might have lost a heartbreaker last week, but Johnny Manziel put on a real show. Saturday is a chance for this A&M defense to take some steps in the right direction against another overmatched nonconference opponent. … Texas A&M 55, SMU 21

Low: The Aggies are at home for the fourth straight week, and while there’s sure to be a natural letdown coming off that emotional loss to Alabama, they’re way too explosive offensively for this one to ever be in serious doubt. … Texas A&M 52, SMU 21

http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/tag/_ ... ons-091913

[ponyboy]

Meyer's teams were all business. It upset Collins that his teams were not 'up' for the game. The culture Meyer put in place wasn't about emotion; it was about intensity, preparation and focus.

Very interesting insider info. Thank you. That take is still kind of odd from my very limited perspective because the Meyer I saw from afar as a young fan, and the one I stood and talked to in a three way cocktail conversation with Endicott for a half an hour a year or two ago at Harvey Armstrong's event, seemed much more of an emotional person. Red faced and emotional, a fiery leader.

[Stallion]

as we ponder the expected blowout on Saturday just remember the good news is that according to June Jones we are a negative 2 1/2 recruiting classes away from competing for a BCS Bowl. We do what we do in recruiting-we coach them up. Recruiting stars don't matter.

[ponyte]

The trailer to Pony Excess and also in the documentary shows Meyer at halftime showing some restrained anger. It really struck me cause I really remember that halftime talk.

See, that was the only time I ever saw Meyer get emotional. And it was so out of character that it has stuck with me to this day. And it really got my attention back in the fall of 1980.

And its odd that that little emotional burst got the big TV time.

It doesn't surprise me about Meyer and Endicott. Endicott was a bit more emotional. He blow up fairly regularly in practice. Not during games. Meyer is a fantastic salesman and can turn it up to suit his audience at anytime

[Harry0569]

SMU at Texas A&M: Autographs for money? Think anybody would’ve noticed that at SMU back in the day when they were handing out Camaros like lollipops? Aggies cover 28½.

From Jeff Schultz at the AJC
http://www.ajc.com/weblogs/jeff-schultz ... hats-deal/