Alright, Let's talk some football

[FinallyADefense]

Agreed, Finally A Defense is very forthcoming in his opinions and has very candid responses. FAD, whats your opinion of TTU really taking SMOO seriously ? I know they want to make an impression for Tubbs and being a national televised game and all, but is TTU looking at the game as a working out some kinks game before the TU game two weeks later ?

As fans, it's really hard to get a gauge on how the players' really think. Also, I know some fans (smaller % of them) really believe SMU could give Tech trouble, and I'm one of those. Most others hear SMU, and chalk it up as a W, and an easy one at that.

Now, Tuberville doesn't really seem all that excited about playing SMU, and he doesn't think it's a good matchup for his team. You may just shrug it off as coachspeak, which it certainly could be, but the jist of what he thinks is this:

He was on Galloway, and said some of the follwing...

He's legitimately worried about SMU because he knows they are getting better; June Jones believes in what he does and is very consistent with it (which is what he looks for in a good coach); they are going to give Tech trouble; he expects the game to go down to the end; glad it's in the Jones but wouldn't have scheduled SMU out of the gates if he had his choice in the matter. IMO, this wasn't all coach-speak. I think he has genuine concern about the unique challenges his team is going to face.

This was taken from someone on our Rivals site, who listened to the interview, and I took it from him

[redpony]

Just remember, Tubs is on par (defensive-wise) to a Saban, Stoops, or Pelini. My only question is, does Tech have the type of talent, and understanding, to be able to run it effectively?

If not, it could be a very good day for Padron, and if we do, Padron will wish he was somewhere else!

FAD- welcome to the board. Not sure I agree that Tubs is = to Saban, Stoops or Pelini. Also, as you mention- TT doesn't have the DL talent that some of those teams have. I would also agree that we don't have the OL that some of those teams have. If Padron and the receivers are 'on' then TT will have their hands full. You might also be suprised at some of our RBs. I hope TT is really looking ahead and not taking the Ponies too seriously.
Can't wait for this game to start.

GO PONIES!!!
MUSTANG MANIA LIVES

[FinallyADefense]

The Tech poster has been right on in most of his analysis and about as humble as possible.

I went to both schools and talking to SMU fans there is HUGE amount of optimism for this season which is somewhat warranted. There were several wins and losses decided by a few plays last year which is impressive that SMU held on and made some of those plays which shows progress. However, as we all know that was not a full strength Nevada team and the ball bounced our way alot which created a big margin, great performance by Padron though.

I agree the main matchup will be Tech's O-Line and SMU's D-Line. If SMU is able to get pressure and disrupt the passing game which could happen and stop the run which is unlikely to happen then it will really frustrate Tech. Tech will easily run the ball 50% of the time due the quality at RB in this game and the depth of the SMU front 7. (This could be debatable, imo. If Tech is up by a good margin, our running totals will be higher due to Tubs' running out the clock. First half, though? I think Tech will be throwing, with a good amount of runs in there, but not sure about over 50% I think SMU starting D-line is formidable and will cause some problems but how long can they hold up? Lack of depth is what could kill SMU here. Tech will run there offense in a VERY, VERY fast pace. It will be no-huddle, and Tubs' goal will be to get a play off every 15 seconds. This will KILL a team with depth issues.

For SMU to win they have to score first or get up by a couple TDs by half causing Tech to play fast. Tech can play fast and still win but in this game they would prefer to run the ball, kill the clock, and play good defense because of SMU's offense. Not at all true, imo. Coach Brown is from Troy, and they ran the spread there, too. In fact, they ran it at a faster pace than Tech did. It's similar to what OU did in '08. There will be some prairie dogging, but the no-huddle offense has been called the NASCAR because it's so fast paced. Tech has the same offense but why get into a shootout when you can grind away and win by 21.

I highly doubt Tech is overlooking the game in fact I think its opposite. In years past absolutely overlooked it and rightly so. This year everyone knows SMU will have a competitive team and no one will overlook them. This is Tubs first game and that stadium will be rocking. Alot of very excited players and fans eager to kick off the new stadium and coach with a win, they will give it everything they got.

I think SMU will put up at least 2-3 TDs in this game unless the defense is even better than advertised then maybe about 17 points. SMU is going to get at least a few plays of 30 yards + due to the vertical routes and inexperienced secondary. I think SMU offense can be effective but it will have to run the ball, you have to keep the defense honest or Padron will end up getting hurt with guys teeing him up.

In order for the Ponies to win I am seeing probably two turnovers that lead to points. I think SMU will have to score 35 to win this game. If the front 7 play great and hold up the whole game then SMU has a chance. SMU O-line is the best it has had in a while but Tech has some very very good players on DL that will get to the QB if he holds it too long.

In the end it will be won in the trenches as most games are and on the road against a Big 12-2 team for the first game of the season that will know you are coming and give you everything they got is probably too much for SMU to handle this year. Not enough quality depth to hold up against those kinds of athletes in a hostile environment. SMU is gonna keep it close but by the second half Tech will have worn them down and found a few weakness to exploit. Will be a respectable and hard fought game with a score around 38-24 Tech.

Yes, I can see a score similar to that, and yes, I do think Tech will win. But, it won't be a 36 point margin like the last time out. Tech will throw deeper routes, moreso than in the past. In fact, just in case none of you are familiar with Troy, and Coach Brown, here is a link for you during his first year at Troy in '08. Coach Brown is only 29, and is in his 3rd year as an OC.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPw2tS9lyMk

[ponyte]

I can understand Tuberville's reservations about playing a JJ type team. Improving but not to an SEC/Big 12-2 level yet. An offense that Tuberville and TTU in general have not faced before. Playing a team that can't generate the excitement of an SEC game. Playing a team that has something to prove. Playing a team with an evolving offense and defense. Playing a team with youth, experience and a new sense of winning. And a team that has for decades been a good confidence game for TTU.

There are a lot of intangibles going into this game that might unnerve Tuberville.

Still, TTU has overall better talent that has competed against strong talent and is use to a large, exciting college game day atmosphere.

I feel this will be a better game than in the past. SMU has improved but one doesn't know if that improvement can overcome TTU's overall advantage in talent. Also, I think there is something new to SMU and that is higher expectations. This may well put additional pressure on the SMU kids, many which have never experienced increased expectations for a season.

I will agree that it could be close late in the game but it will take an outstanding and mistake free SMU to achieve that.

[FinallyADefense]

Just remember, Tubs is on par (defensive-wise) to a Saban, Stoops, or Pelini. My only question is, does Tech have the type of talent, and understanding, to be able to run it effectively?

If not, it could be a very good day for Padron, and if we do, Padron will wish he was somewhere else!

FAD- welcome to the board. Not sure I agree that Tubs is = to Saban, Stoops or Pelini. Also, as you mention- TT doesn't have the DL talent that some of those teams have. I would also agree that we don't have the OL that some of those teams have. If Padron and the receivers are 'on' then TT will have their hands full. You might also be suprised at some of our RBs. I hope TT is really looking ahead and not taking the Ponies too seriously.
Can't wait for this game to start.

GO PONIES!!!
MUSTANG MANIA LIVES

I don't know Redpony. He just might be, if given equal talent. Remember, he did have some VERY stout defenses at Miami, ATM, and then at Auburn.