SMU Mustangs Football: College Football Season Preview

June Jones enters his fourth season at SMU and he has done a solid job despite the 16-23 record. From 1981-1984 the “Death Penalty” took order and the Mustangs had just one winning season from ’89-08.

They were the laughingstock in Division I Football and not many doubted how bad they were after every team demolished them. When Jones took over after he left Hawaii, he saw immediate success.

The first year did not go well as they went 1-11 but they have gone to two straight bowls since. They defeated Nevada in the ’09 Hawaii Bowl 45-10 and last season they suffered a tough 16-14 Armed Forces Bowl loss to Army despite out-gaining them 413-229.

The three turnovers and two missed FGs was what did them in. Still, winning the West Division and seven ball games a year is a solid year.

Quarterback Kyle Padron led the Mustangs in passing throwing for 3,828 yards along with 31 TDs and only 14 INTs. Running back Zach Line was not expected to carry the load, but he did just that rushing for 1,494 yards and 10 TDs.

Both starting WRs return as Cole Beasley and Darius Johnson combined for over 150 catches, over 1,800 yards as they totaled for 12 TDs.

The offensive line returns all five and they should be among the best in C-USA. Left tackle Kelvin Beachum returns from a first-team All-C-USA season and he should have another solid season. 

The offense was solid a season ago ranking 33rd in America averaging 414 yards per game (275 passing), however, the defense was very suspect as they were gashed against the run allowing 144 yards per game.

They have eight starters back on defense and will be led by defensive linemen Taylor Thompson and middle linebacker Taylor Reed. Reed led the team in tackles and Thompson led them in sacks. Defensive end Markus Hunt led the team in blocked punts with seven.

The secondary was torched at times but they only allowed 208 yards per game, which ranked 43rd and with three starters back it should only improve in terms of talent and production.

Cornerback Richard Crawford and free safety Chris Banjo should get some honorable mention this season as this Mustangs is getting a lot more athletic with June Jones calling all the shots.

The schedule is a bit easier than last year and outside of the opener to A&M, things start off fairly easy with UTEP, NWST and Memphis.

TCU comes calling the following week, though SMU gave the Horned Frogs arguably their toughest game all season last year.

Still, games at Southern Miss and at Tulsa will determine just how much these Mustangs have improved. I look for them to win one of these road games, which is not including Houston on the road either. Anything more than six wins would be considered a solid year and I see that just happening.

Predicted Finish: 7-6, 5-3

Predicted Bowl: Hawaii Bowl

Predicted Order of Finish in C-USA: third in West Division, fourth in C-USA