CFN: C-USA Spring Preview
Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 8:00 am
SMU
Now that the Mustangs have been to three straight bowl games for the first time in more than a quarter-century, the team is looking for new achievements. The price of success is always a higher bar. June Jones has done a miraculous job over the course of four years, breathing life into a squad that was being fitted for a toe tag years ago. Now that SMU has reached a point that postseason games are the norm, and that quality recruits are no longer off limits, it can start shooting for goals that would have been off limits not long ago. From the first week of December to the first week of January, it was particularly evident that this was a different Mustangs program. In the span of just five weeks, they held on to Jones, joined the Big East Conference and whipped Pitt, 28-6, in the bowl game.
- Kyle Padron is transferring to Eastern Washington. J.J. McDermott has graduated. It’s Garrett Gilbert’s time on the Hilltop, and the Texas transfer is in the perfect setting to resurrect a career once filled with so much promise.
- Assertive RB Zach Line is not just a product of his competition. The two-time 1,000-yard rusher is a possible feature back at the next level, but he is going to be challenged running behind a completely revamped offensive line.
- To get a read on SMU’s potential this fall, just follow the bouncing ball. The Ponies are at their best when they’re creating havoc and dominating turnover margin. Last year, however, they had just 16 takeaways, or half as many times as they turned the ball over.
-Der’rikk Thompson is about to explode in the passing game now that veteran receivers Cole Beasley and Terrance Wilkerson have graduated. The Mustangs are looking for a complement to go-to guy Darius Johnson, and Thompson has the tools to excel in the role.
- Line is the face of the offense, without argument. However, doesn’t the staff need to get backup Rishaad Wimbley on the field sometimes? Anywhere? At 6-0 and 280 pounds, he possesses the strength and light feet that just scream out for more playing time.
Now that the Mustangs have been to three straight bowl games for the first time in more than a quarter-century, the team is looking for new achievements. The price of success is always a higher bar. June Jones has done a miraculous job over the course of four years, breathing life into a squad that was being fitted for a toe tag years ago. Now that SMU has reached a point that postseason games are the norm, and that quality recruits are no longer off limits, it can start shooting for goals that would have been off limits not long ago. From the first week of December to the first week of January, it was particularly evident that this was a different Mustangs program. In the span of just five weeks, they held on to Jones, joined the Big East Conference and whipped Pitt, 28-6, in the bowl game.
- Kyle Padron is transferring to Eastern Washington. J.J. McDermott has graduated. It’s Garrett Gilbert’s time on the Hilltop, and the Texas transfer is in the perfect setting to resurrect a career once filled with so much promise.
- Assertive RB Zach Line is not just a product of his competition. The two-time 1,000-yard rusher is a possible feature back at the next level, but he is going to be challenged running behind a completely revamped offensive line.
- To get a read on SMU’s potential this fall, just follow the bouncing ball. The Ponies are at their best when they’re creating havoc and dominating turnover margin. Last year, however, they had just 16 takeaways, or half as many times as they turned the ball over.
-Der’rikk Thompson is about to explode in the passing game now that veteran receivers Cole Beasley and Terrance Wilkerson have graduated. The Mustangs are looking for a complement to go-to guy Darius Johnson, and Thompson has the tools to excel in the role.
- Line is the face of the offense, without argument. However, doesn’t the staff need to get backup Rishaad Wimbley on the field sometimes? Anywhere? At 6-0 and 280 pounds, he possesses the strength and light feet that just scream out for more playing time.