The Tape Doesn't Lie

Pony in SA · Post by **Pony in SA** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 9:31 am

Always here "well we need to see the tape" so actually spent some time watching tape of our last 3 games last night. I know that is sick, but when you devote 20 plus years to season tickets, donations, travelling to away games, etc. and thought we would be better this year what the heck. Anyway, here are some factual observations I see:

1. Our OL and DL are not as stout and productive as advertised. I thought Thompson and the DL would get more pressures and we only rush 3 rarely do we get any pressure. Conversely, when teams rush only 3 on us they get pressure. Our guys may be experienced but we need better line play on both sides of the ball to beat better teams (not Tulane, NW St., etc.).

2. Line is not only a tough runner, he probably is one of best passing blocking backs I have seen. Feet generally in right position and makes almost every block like he should. His pass blocking is outstanding.

3. Our QB misses open reads that are available. Sometimes not all on him because WR turns wrong way or no time, but there are guys open he can check down to that we are simply missing.

4. No real homerun threat. Others have already pointed it out.

5. We need better kicking game. We need punter who can get more hang time and kick it about 10 plus yards further. Our FG guy is not automatic from 45 yards in and we should not miss extra points.

6. NO sense of urgency or real emotion in these games. It maybe that once they lost chance to play for conference championship they kinda shut down, don't know. But tape sure doesn't lie on this one.

Objectively, this is no where near the team some of us thought we had. We beat some lesser teams and that is about it, and if the TCU doesn't drop the 4th down ball we have have blown that lead as well. I think you can not name call but are right to question some of the motivation and coaching with this group. I also think it is clear the desire and focus not showed once the USM game beat down took place.

SMUstang · Post by **SMUstang** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 9:40 am

Good observations. I'm with you, as a true fan since before 1989, I expected better.

78pony · Post by **78pony** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 9:52 am

Good points and observations. Motivation and coaching. Coaching and motivation. Hey, I realize JJ has a different perspective on things and sure, football is still just a game. But you still give it 110% for 3 hours on the weekend with all the emotion and intensity you can muster. Then, win or lose, you know you've given it your best shot and start the week's cycle again. Having to rally from disappointment has always been part of sports, whether team or individual. What's so disappointing is the lack of emotion, and the fact that we don't seem to be able to bounce back very well from disappointment. Coaches and players alike. But one thing is typical in just about every walk of life; leadership is a top to bottom process.

Mexmustang · Post by **Mexmustang** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 10:15 am

Time to replace some starters, shake them up and get some players that are excited about playing. Who? Anyone!

Maybe time to cut some dead wood at the end of the semester, scholarships should be earned annually--so are assistant coaching jobs!

ponyscott · Post by **ponyscott** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 10:47 am

I cam across this quote this AM and its true and perfect here....and not that I am a fan of Holtz:

"Motivation is simple...... You eliminate those who are NOT motivated."

Lou Holtz / Arkansas - Notre Dame

TidePony · Post by **TidePony** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 12:25 pm

Well said all. I hope someone in the front office reads these comments, they are quality observations.

Mestengo · Post by **Mestengo** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 12:33 pm

Looked at film all year long, been to every away game. I believe your observations are conclusive.

Mexmustang · Post by **Mexmustang** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 12:56 pm

Don't at all like to be right about this. But if we are going to get blown out by Houston, I can't think of a better time to start some underclassman.

Charleston Pony · Post by **Charleston Pony** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:08 pm

It's funny (or sad, actually) that we say the same things about our hoops teams; they don't seem to play with the same determination (heart) that most of our opponents show. I've had a theory for many years now that the "country club" culture of SMU rubs off on our athletes. Things have come too easy for the majority of our students their entire lives. Our student athletes are exposed to that on a daily basis and then "go to work" in sparsely attended facilities. Takes a special guy to give 100% all the time, especially when they are playing through injuries and season goals are already shot.

SMU_Alumni11 · Post by **SMU_Alumni11** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:22 pm

If our starters arent fired up or trying to win this game, again kind of medieval, but its how I think... since they have died ever since So. Miss and excluding the little blip first half tulane, I think that if they dont show up to Houston, then start all the 2nd strings to take their places in the Rice game. As some people pointed out we are highly likely to go to a bowl game with 6 wins... so give them a shot so we can see what the next season is in store for us, and these "fired" up tcu beaters can learn a lesson if you are going to do your job with enthusiasm then you shouldnt be doing it at all. IMO again its medieval im sure people will disagree but I want to see the future rather than the crappy present.

SMUstang · Post by **SMUstang** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:25 pm

Maybe I made a mistake. I could have gone to LSU or La Tech or Tulsa or some other school. When I went to SMU we had Don Meredith, Raymond Berry, Jerry LeVias, and other players who I greatly respected. I don't remember any "quit" in any of those teams.

redpony · Post by **redpony** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:32 pm

I agree with alum 11. If the current starters don't want to go out there and show some fire and enthusiasm then put their butts on the bench and play those who want to play and are willing to put out the effort.

GO PONIES!!!

Arkpony · Post by **Arkpony** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 10:26 pm

In Ron Meyers first season we played Alabama there. Surprisingly we held them scoreless the first quarter. Bear Bryant pulled off all the first string and began playing subs. It got the players attention and we lost 56 - 0.

PonySnob · Post by **PonySnob** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 10:33 pm

Arkpony wrote:In Ron Meyers first season we played Alabama there. Surprisingly we held them scoreless the first quarter. Bear Bryant pulled off all the first string and began playing subs. It got the players attention and we lost 56 - 0.

It would be a victory if we could hold Houston to only 56 this Saturday.........

rich59 · Post by **rich59** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 9:31 am

Some nice points made in this thread. Back in the fifties I heard coaches in Jr High, High School and college say, "You play like you practice, you play like you practice"!!! The games were like picnics compared to the practices. If your team does not practice hard and intensely and focused. If the practices are not tough and difficult and demanding, your team will not perform on gameday. Look at the progress TCU has made since losing to SMU and compare to our team.