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StallionsModelT wrote:I think it will be Jones' best coaching job since he's been here. Given that we will most likely start off the season 1-3, we will need to win 5 out of our next 8 games in the new AAC. The positives are Gilbert/Shead, but we still have very shaky WR play to go along with three new starters on the offensive line. Defensively we lose quite a bit as well with the departures of Margus, Grenier, Tank, and JG. We will be young and inexperienced up front, although I like what we have. So assuming we start 1-3, where will these five wins come from?

Rutgers - 50/50
Memphis - Should be a win
Temple - Should be a win
Cincinnati - Likely a loss
Connecticut - Should be a win
South Florida - 50/50
Houston - 50/50
UCF - 50/50

If Jones can get us to 6 wins with this schedule and our young team I think it will be his best season here at SMU. I feel good that we have Rutgers and UCF at home. I think we have a great shot at winning those games. Honestly, the only conference game that I think we will be significant underdogs is Cincinnati.

Six is all he's shootin' for, guy.

SMU will significantly improve on offense next season.

Defensively, we will be much better against the pass, even if we struggle a little against the run.

My expectations for the next season (I expected 6-6 last season):

TT: Win. They lose their QB and are moving to a new offense, and that should play into our hands with an improved secondary. We are at home and should win.

Montana State: Win.

@ A&M: Loss

@TCU: Loss. They will be ranked and a road game. They have a bye the week before and will be ready to go.

Rutgers: Win. Interesting matchup, with a strong offensive line and running game, and historically a good defense although they graduate a lot. at home, I think our improved offense scores enough to win, because Rutgers will struggle offensively next season.

@Memphis: Win

Temple: Win. Good running team transitioning to a passing offense will struggle for consistancy. Ppor defense allows us to outscore them.

@Cincy: Loss

UCONN: Win. No running game, so strength on strength. They had a very good defense, but graduate a ton of really good players. Their recruiting classes are lowly regarded, and we recruit better diamonds in the rough , so win at home.

@USF: Win. USF hasn't had a winning record in conference in several years. I don't think they will be very good this season as they transition to a new coach. Skip wasn't the problem.

@Houston: Win. Yeah, I know, but Sims is a huge, huge loss. Lots of issues going on over there and it could be a long season for them.

UCF: Win. Close, but we pull it out at home.

So, there you go - pending fall camp and how things look, I think we have a much better offense, great depth at LB and corner, and turn the corner under June, going 9-3. It doesn't hurt that I think Rutgers, Memphis, Temple. UCONN, USF, and Houston will be pretty bad teams next year. The poor quality of the league will allow Cincy or Louisville to run the table.

I will caveat all of that by saying that even though I predicted 6-6 last year and thought we would struggle offensively, two years ago I thought we had a chance for a huge season because of Padron and I think predicted 10 wins.

I agree we go undefeated at home. We should beat Houston but for some reason we never can win in that city.

I still say 8-4 (although I still think we have a good chance at beating TCU and getting to 9-3).

9-3 + a bowl win would for 10 wins would be awesome!!!

If we win 10 games next season then June Jones wins NCAA Coach of the Year IMO. 6-6 would be a terrific season and probably a little overly optimistic.

I don't see any way we beat TCU in FW when they are coming off a bye and bring back a bunch of starters. I'd be happy if we stayed within 2 touchdowns of TCU next season.

StallionsModelT wrote:If we win 10 games next season then June Jones wins NCAA Coach of the Year IMO. 6-6 would be a terrific season and probably a little overly optimistic.

I don't see any way we beat TCU in FW when they are coming off a bye and bring back a bunch of starters. I'd be happy if we stayed within 2 touchdowns of TCU next season.

Besides, Patterson and the Frog faithful will not forget what happen two years ago. Patterson is not helping SMU anymore and with two weeks to prepare, remember that is the same amount of time the Super bowl teams practice, just saying.