New Predictions

[BUTitan]

Now how do you think the ponies will end up? I say 4-7 or 5-6

[RGV Pony]

Unless there's some real improvement at QB, offensive playcalling, pass catching, and elimination of mistakes such as fumbles and dropped passes, a renewed ability to capitalize on takeaways, a reversal in our team's alarming tendency to not stop a peristent ground game, and an ability to sustain a drive so that there's not a 10 min.+ differential in possession (and amount of time the D is on the field), I'm afraid the previous prediction of a possible 0-6 start is not outlandish.

Man, that's a lot of glaring deficiencies. Matter of fact, I think I'm just going to copy and paste that as my standard response/b*tch regarding our weaknesses for the rest of the year.

FWIW, what many thought was a our one sure win, ECU, scored more points than our high-flyin' spread offense.

This line reserved for the obligatory "but it all doesn't have to be that way. I hope Coach B and the boys pull it out as much as everyone else." I'll still be there next week & at College Station the next.

[Charleston Pony]

BUTitan: you are seriously overestimating your team to think SMU will win 4-5 games. This game was a MUST win for SMU to have a chance to win 4 games this season. We are now looking at the posibility of 0-11, but I think we will find a win or two somewhere on the schedule. Home games with Tulane, ECU and Rice give us our best chance. Tulsa might be the only road game we have a chance to win

[Sam I Am]

BUTitan is being kind and a good sport by commending our team as being capable of winning more games than most of us think possible. One obvious difference between this year's game and the 2003 game, is that both teams had a scoring offense. Myabe they have improved in that respect.

[LonghornFan68]

Guys, this was the first game of the season and there is always a lot of rust. I think the coaches will make the proper adjustments. I still see the Ponies going 4-7 or even 5-6. A winning, maybe next year. Now, if they can get Phillips in the game.... heh.

[BUTitan]

BUTitan is being kind and a good sport by commending our team as being capable of winning more games than most of us think possible. One obvious difference between this year's game and the 2003 game, is that both teams had a scoring offense. Myabe they have improved in that respect.

Both teams were able to move the ball well, just niether could score. I still see a 4-7 or 5-6 season.

[No Quarter]

I wonder if anyone else listened to this game on the Baylor website. The commentators said repeatedly that the SMU defense was worn down, tongues hanging out, in the fourth quarter. I have always had the impression that Bennett plays the first eleven until they drop - witness Muse injury last year and Muse never playing in the Baylor game.

But I never played. I newver suited up. Someone who has been out there please comment on the effectiveness of a tired starter late in a game versus a second teamer who might be only 80% as good - or the ways to spot in a sub for a play or two and save the starter a little.

I thought the Baylor commentators were all but incredulous about the management of the SMU QBs - though they did not say much - also, but that story is otherwise much talked about on this board.

[Sic_em]

Regarding the comments of the Baylor broadcasting team, I'd totally discount any kind of football analysis that John Morris, the play by play commentator spouts off. His color man, J.J. Joe is knowledgeable, however.

[The PonyGrad]

I was predicting 6-5. That assumed Baylor as a win, OK 5-6, It was assuming we could beat a TCU program that at the very least was not improved, OK 4-7. But if those mistakes were not first game jitters and if we do not improve the passing game we would be lucky to be 3-8.

I do think that we solve the blocked punt and kick and reduce the fumbles as they were partially caused because we were not practicing full contact. I also assume that the passing game gets untracked though I thought it would be in the Baylor game. We shall see.

Right now I just hope we win three.

[Charleston Pony]

I just had to pull this thread back up to see how everyone's mindset might have changed after last night. The prospect of seeing the M&M Boys run wild for the next 9 games has me thinking this bunch can improve on last year's record and I'm back to thinking they might win 3-4 home games...and actually have a shot at a road win as well.

I don't expect to go into College Station and surprise the Aggie$, but I now like our chances against Tulane, ECU and Rice at Ford...especially if the students maintain their enthusiasm and we get some decent crowds for those games. I'm not going to rule out the possibility the UTEP game could be huge to finish the regular season.

Bennett knows we're going to see 8-9 man fronts to stop the running game. We still neeed to find someone to stretch the defense with some deep throws. Get Jesse Henderson and Columbus Givens (despite that drop)more involved

[Sam I Am]

Even though losses demoralize us, I will try not to carried away with one good won over TCU. Let's continue our rebuilding by beating the other private schools. Wins over Tulane, Tulsa, and Rice would be nice. Don't overlook ECU and think they are a sure win. They've changed coaches for the better. I will revise my estimate and hope for 5 wins this season.

[oakley]

You guys have some talent. I wouldn't sell the 'stangs short this season - even in collieville. aggy is not looking too good and is very beatable, especially with a few good passes set up by some hard running. Do not lose the football and you should be ok.

p.s. Their offense is totally built around McNeil (see TCU vs Peterson/OU).