SMU Mustangs Football

We are very grateful to have experienced the success we’ve had with Midwest Sports Fans. And even before the infamous Raul Ibanez post, we set out to give back to the community on behalf of the blog. As we began to brainstorm the idea, we knew one avenue would be enabling more young people with access to sports.

As we began a sponsor search, one referral we were given was Generational Equity of Dallas, TX. Generational Equity is a company rich in philanthropic activity which includes the funding of an orphanage in Nigeria, a Belize faith-based mission, and support for fighting colon cancer. Generational Equity also has several ex-collegiate athletes including a member of the 1989 SMU Mustangs football team (the first year after the death penalty). Though Southern Methodist University doesn’t qualify as a Midwestern team, we couldn’t deny the inner passion the company has for sports.

When Generational Equity agreed to sponsor our initiative, we began to evaluate organizations that could help us connect with the right child athletes. One on our shortlist was a local YMCA. Upon reviewing their scholarship programs, we were introduced to an eight-week swimming program they of

fered that helped provide essential swimming skills to kids who, for a variety of reasons, couldn’t swim. Though the exposure to a swimming program at the YMCA could serve as inspiration for a child to take up the activity as a sport, we were more convinced that the donation would be put to good use as 100% of the participants would leave the program with essential skills that could mean survival in the right situation.

Town North YMCA Swimming Out Reach

On June 18th 2009, I had the pleasure of spending the morning with Diddy Fullbright and Micaela Gomez on site at their swimming outreach program at the Sierra Vista apartment complex. Sierra Vista was one of the two apartment complexes they selected to reach out to this year.

“Our residents are primarily Hispanic and 95% have children”, commented Margo Rodriquez, manager of the Sierra Vista apartments, “We have found that a large percentage of our resident adults do not know how to swim and do not have the ability to teach their children. This summer, we set out with the YMCA to do something about it.”

The YMCA program conducts four daily swimming classes at the apartment complex’s pool. The classes began this week and run Monday through Thursday until August 9th.

“Between our 2 separate outreach programs, we have over 50 kids learning vital swimming skills. The parents are responsible for a $15 fee for the entire program and the rest is paid for by a donation from Generational Equity

,” commented Micaela Gomez of the YMCA. “Each child starts the program with a skills evaluation and finishes the program with a follow up evaluation to measure progress.”

The class that I attended had participants ranging from 3 to 14 years of age had little to now swimming skills. One very young child had downs syndrome and it was very touching to see the smile on her face as she made progress in one of the water exercises.

Swimming: Support and Survival Skill

Swimming is a sport that has been put on the world sporting radar screen by the greats who have represented their countries in the Olympic games of the modern era. In a 2006 post, though dated with regards to Michael Phelps, the Top 10 swimmers of all time are highlighted. Swimming is also a sport accessible to all via community and school programs that take transform young people into competitive athletes. However, in addition to being a sport, swimming is a fundamental skill that can be a means of survival for children and adults alike.

Program Sponsor: Generational Equity

Generational Equity is based in Dallas, TX and is the leader in Merger and Acquisition Services, Business Evaluation, and Exit Strategy Planning for middle market businesses worldwide. Generational Equity provided sponsorships through MidwestSportsFans.Com and DallasSportsFans.Com for the 2009 Summer Swimming Outreach Program by the Town North YMCA of Dallas, TX. Generational Equity has offices in Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Connecticut.

For fourteen practices this spring, the offense and defense of SMU’s football team slugged it out, both literally and figuratively.  One day the offense would shine.  The next day, the defense would dominate.   Some days the intensity of the battles would carry past the whistle.  Heading into Saturday’s annual Red/Blue scrimmage, it was anyone’s guess which side of the football would carry the day.

After 47 seven plays of a controlled scrimmage, the answer was a draw.   A literal 56 to 56 tie, using June Jones’unique scoring philosophy.   Originally, the scrimmage was scheduled to go for 40 plays.  Seven flags were thrown by officials hired to simulate a game day experience, resulting in the increased play count.

Jones’ scoring system (below) mirrors the messages the coaching staff has been preaching all spring.  For the offense, the keys are don’t throw interceptions and make big plays (14 points for plays longer than 35 yards).   Defensively, the coached have stressed creating turnovers (25 points for an interception) and pressuring the quarterback (4 points for a sack).

Each play was snapped from the south side’s 45 yard line, with the offense facing midfield.  On the first play of the scrimmage, quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell looked right, waited, then threw a 50 yard bomb down the left sideline.  Aldrick Robinson was a couple steps behind right corner Bryan McCann, but the ball went through his hands for an incompletion.  “I thought I had it man,” said Robinson of the missed touchdown opportunity. 

Mitchell, who finished the spring game12 -16 for 108 yards, has shown marked improvement from last year.  “I feel so much better about this year compared to last year,” said Mitchell.  “I know the offense.  One two three throw the ball.  I know where my receivers are gonna be.  I know the offensive line is going to give me time.”  Despite airing it out on the first play, Mitchell admitted he was trying to avoid forcing any throws and giving up the 25 point interception.  “Today I was making some reads, trying to complete balls…get some points for us,” said Mitchell.  “We kind of settled down on the long throws.”

Coach Jones was clearly in favor of Mitchell’s decision making.  “We didn’t throw any interceptions,” said Jones.  “As long as we don’t throw any interceptions, we are probably going to win a lot of games.”

Throughout the spring, the defense has been implementing more plays into their new 3-4 defensive scheme.  Defensive coordinator Tom Mason made the switch in an attempt to get more pressure on the opposing quarterback by better utilizing the talent the Ponies already have on the roster.   The defense registered five sacks today and impressed their coach with another strong effort.  “I thought we grew today,” said Mason.  “I really did.  I was happy with the enthusiasm we played with.  I think we’ve made big strides this spring.”

The 3-4 requires athletic linebackers, who can both rush the passer off the edge as well as run stuff.  Two linebackers were singled out by coach Mason today.  “I thought Patrick Flemming stood out,” said Mason.  “He had a couple of sacks.  Chase Kinnemar had a great day.  The first group I thought was really solid.  We just have to develop some depth.”

Mason plans to immerse himself in tape and training all summer, learning the intricacies of the 3-4 alignment.  “I’ve got to keep learning, keep studying,” said Mason.  “Dick Lebeau at Pittsburgh, I’m going up to visit with him in May.  Just keep learning more and more from the top guys that run it.”

With Justin Willis battling an ankle injury, receiver Cole Loftin has worked his way into the starting rotation.   Loftin used his 6’3” frame to shield defenders, while making 4 catches for 17 yards today.  Loftin could be used as a possession receiver.  He has already earned the respect of his quarterback.  “I love Cole Loftin,” said Mitchell.  “He’s such a hard worker and he will sell out his body to make a catch.”

The running game still appears to be on the witness protection program.   Chris Butler remains the starter for now, but none of the running backs have emerged this spring.  Three running backs shared eight carries for 17 yards during the scrimmage.  The offense ran the pistol formation a few plays, but couldn’t get much going out of that alignment either.

Overall, Jones sees a better team after the spring.  “We got better this spring,” said Jones.  “We’ve got some offensive skill players and defensive players that are going to make a name for themselves.  I’m excited about where we are headed.”

Offense:
14 pts - Touchdown longer than 35 yards
7 pts - Touchdown
4 pts - Completion and run 10 yds. after catch
4 pts - Run over 10 yds
2 pts - Rushing play for 4 yds or more
2 pts - For a completion

Defense:
25 pts - Interception
7 pts - Touchdown
4 pts - Caused fumble
4 pts - Sack
4 pts - Fumble recovery
4 pts - Stop run play for gain of 2 yds or less
2 pts - Pass deflection
1 pt - Incomplete pass

Coach Junes Jones put Hawaii on the college fantasy football map with a record-breaking, high octane aerial attack.  He made household names of quarterbacks Timmy Chang and Colt Brennan. 

After leading his Rainbow Warriors to a Sugar Bowl berth following the 2007 season, Jones surprised many by leaving the lush, green islands for hot and dusty Texas. 

In his first year at SMU, Jones wasted no time in putting his own unique stamp on the program.  He shocked most by rolling with freshman Bo Levi Mitchell at quarterback instead of incumbent starter Justin Willis. 

Mitchell took his lumps last season, throwing nearly as many interceptions as touchdowns. 

With a full off-season under his belt, will BLM take his game to the next level in 2009?

What’s the scoop?
There are three reasons to really like BLM’s fantasy prospects this fall:

1.  The Schedule:

Other than back-to-back dates with TCU and East Carolina in October, the schedule appears to be quite favorable.  It’s also noteworthy that the stretch run leading into the fantasy playoffs consists of four potential shootouts against Houston, Tulsa, Rice, and UTEP.

2009 SMU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
9-5-09 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN
9-12-09 at UAB
9-19-09 at Washington State
9-26-09 TULANE
10-3-09 at TCU
10-10-09 EAST CAROLINA
10-17-09 NAVY
10-24-09 at Houston
10-31-09 at Tulsa
11-7-09 RICE
11-14-09 UTEP
11-21-09 at Marshall

 

2.  June Jones’ Track Record

June Jones built a finely tuned passing machine in Hawaii.  It’s only a matter of time before he transforms SMU into a similar force. 

Below are the QB stats for Jones’ last five years in Hawaii compared with his first year at SMU.  Note the large gap that exists between 2008 and the rest of the years. 

While nobody expects BLM to go out there this fall and perform like the Colt Brennan of 2006, it is reasonable to expect a significant statistical improvement.  And in this offensive system, the sky’s the limit.

	Att.	Comp.	Int	Yards	TD	Fantasy Pts
2008-SMU	476	269	25	3275	29	247.00
2007-Hawaii	663	459	23	5713	51	432.52
2006-Hawaii	615	444	12	6178	62	495.12
2005-Hawaii	578	379	15	4611	37	332.44
2004-Hawaii	636	370	18	4402	38	328.08
2003-Hawaii	754	444	27	5382	42	383.28

3.  The Wideouts

Junior Aldrick Robinson and senior Emmanuel Sanders both return to form one of the best wide receiver tandems in Conference USA.  They both had nice seasons last year despite getting suspended for the final two games by Coach Jones for breaking team rules. 

On the year, Robinson posted 59 passes for 1,047 yards and 11 touchdowns. Sanders caught 67 balls for 958 yards and nine touchdowns. 

In his first three years as a Mustang, Sanders has caught 187 balls for 2,452 yards and 27 touchdowns. 

Barring any more run-ins with the coaching staff, we expect both of them to surpass the 1,000 yard-10 touchdown mark in 2009.

If your fantasy draft was today (03/16/09)....

Bo Levi Mitchell is one of the more intriguing prospects of the upcoming season.  We think he is certainly a Top 20 quarterback in All-120 leagues, and has the potential to finish in the Top 10.  Consider him a very strong second quarterback, or if you are a bit of a risk-taker, a low-end No. 1.

Todd DeVries is the founder of CollegeFootballGeek.com, your premier resource for college fantasy football information. Check us out.

One more Moore makes me muy, muy happy! Bronco fans are hailing the news that just came down the pike that Kellen Moore's "little" brother Kirby has verbally committed to play for the Broncos. Once considered a pipe dream by those that keep their eye on the recruiting wires after the younger Moore received offers from Washington, Washington State, and Stanford...the lure of the blue and his brother tossin' him bombs for a few years obviously turned Moore's head in the last few weeks. No doubt "big bro" Kellen being named the starter helped sway Kirby in his decision, but clearly he chose the squad with the most upside (if you take "being a Pac-10 also-ran out of the equation). Moore is rated as a three-star recruit by scout.com and rivals.com as well as a top-20 player in the state of Washington. Kirby will bring with him ridiculous pinball type numbers that apparently typify players with the last name "Moore"...he caught 29 TDs last season for the Prosser Mustangs and averaged about 18 yards per catch. Here's what ESPN has to say about the younger Moore:

Moore consistently moves the chains with big grabs and projects to be a solid outside possession receiver at the next level. Tall, well-built and does a good job using his large frame in one-on-one coverage.

Has great hands, sound concentration in traffic and adjusts well to the difficult throw. Plucks the ball effortlessly over smaller defensive backs with his big, soft hands.

Extends well away from his frame and rarely makes a body catch. Savvy, precise route runner. Conscious of steps, knows how to attack the defensive back's leverage and set him up on the double move. Deceptively explosive off the line and can slip behind coverage.

Not real fast, but builds good speed with his long stride allowing him to separate on vertical routes. Does not gear down much on the top of his stem.

Snags the ball smoothly in stride. Strong frame needed to absorb the big hit and also break tackles after the catch. However, top-end speed is just adequate in the second level.

Could struggle separating versus faster defensive backs after the catch and on intermediate to deep patterns as a route runner. Lacks great burst out of his cuts and needs to sink his hips more.

More of a possession receiver and will not offer a lot after the catch. Can be slippery to wrap up, but he lacks great movement skills in the open field and is not really elusive.

That said, we feel Moore will be productive in a big-catch, possession role in college. Fundamentally sound at the position masking his lack of great speed -- but it will be harder to do at the next level. Good athlete with the size, range and ball skills to also play safety.

Kirby is the 13th known commit in the 2009 Bronco class...non-binding till LOI day blah blah blah.

Introduction

Texas Tech hosts former Southwest Conference Rival Southern Methodist University at 6 pm in Jones AT&T Stadium. Fox Sports Southwest will be showing the game. The Mustangs come to Lubbock with their own version of a passing offense.

Bring some snacks, folks.  Even with the new clock rules, this game could be longer than most. Lubbock has also experienced quite a bit of rain the last couple of days, so the field might be a little soggy.

SMU Passing

Freshman QB Bo Levi Mitchell directs SMU’s offense. He is 49-80 (61 percent) for 614 yards with eight TDs and three INTs. He has also carried the ball eight times for -32 yards.

June Jones handed the reins to Mitchell, and as you might expect from a freshman, the results have been mixed so far.

In their first game, SMU started out with a 13-0 lead at Rice but fell apart and lost the game, 56-27. The Ponies rebounded last week in beating Texas State 47-36.

Backup Logan Turner has completed five of six passes on the year for 82 yards with one score and no INTs.

 

SMU Rushing

DeMyron Martin paces the rushing attack with 15 touches for 72 yards (4.8 YPC) and one score. Andrew McKinney is next with five rushes for 27 yards (5.4 YPC) but no scores.

Former starting QB Justin Willis, who hasn’t played much this season, rounds out SMU’s rushing stats with two carries for eight yards. Willis is a dynamic athlete who deserves to be playing in some form or fashion.

 

SMU Receiving

Emmanuel Sanders leads SMU’s platoon of receivers with 16 catches for 259 yards (16.2 YPC) and four TDs. Aldrick Robinson is on his heels with 15 for 263 (17.5 YPC) and four TDs as well. The bad news is that Bradley Haynes (two catches for 33 yards) is the only other WR to reach the end zone for the Ponies this season.

RB Martin had nine catches for 48 yards, Cole Beasley has five receptions for 34 yards, and Terrance Wilkerson has three for 33 yards. Josh Bryant, Andrew McKinney, and Zach Zimmerman round out SMU’s receiving stats with a combined three catches for 20 yards.

Texas Tech Passing

Senior signal caller Graham Harrell leads the offensive attack. He is 62-104 on the season (59.6 percent) for 833 yards with three TDs and two INTs. Harrell likely has something to prove after throwing for only 297 yards on 19-46 passing with one TD and two INTs last week against Nevada.

Texas Tech Rushing

Senior Shannon Woods leads the running game for the Red Raiders with 20 carries for 82 yards (4.1 YPC) and four TDs. Baron Batch is next with 11 touches for 87 yards and one score.  Aaron Crawford has chipped in touches for 26 yards and one score.

WR Eric Morris got a rushing TD last week on a 13-yard scamper and now has three carries for 23 yards on the season. Fellow WR Ed Britton finishes the rushing numbers with one carry for nine yards.

Expect the Red Raiders to continue using multiple RBs this season. Woods, Batch, and Crawford are all dangerous, and Texas Tech likes being able to keep all of them fresh by rotating them.

Texas Tech Receiving

Michael Crabtree showed he still has it. The sophomore from Dallas had a remarkable 82-yard catch and run for a TD last week against Nevada.  On the year he has 16 receptions for 231 yards (14.4 YPC) with two scores.

Detron Lewis has 12 for 209 (17.4 YPC) but no scores, and Eric Morris has 11 for 172 (15.6) and also no TDs. Redshirt freshman Tramain Swindall has been impressive. He’s made tough catches in key situations and so far this year has tallied eight catches for 99 yards, and no trips to pay dirt.

Edward Britton’s five catches for 37 yards and one TD is the end of Tech’s scoring through the air. However, RB Woods (three for 19), Batch (two for 21) Adam James (one for nine yards), OL Stephen Hamby (one for three yards), and Lyle Leong (one for 32) also have been active in the receiving game.

Intangibles

June Jones’ pass-happy offense may be more famous than Mike Leach’s due to Jones’ NFL experience, but this week the edge goes to Leach. In his first year at SMU, Jones is a long way from having a team capable of competing with the talent that Mike Leach has assembled in Lubbock.

Coach Jones may not be wearing a lei, but after the Tech game, he’ll wish he was back at Hawaii.

Prediction

Red Raiders 66, Ponies 13

Special Recognition

Jimmy Frush, the former Director of Marketing and Promotions at Texas Tech, is now the Director of the Mustang Club at SMU. Mr. Frush has been a mentor and friend to me and is a fine representative of Texas Tech. If you’re in Raider Alley, stop by SMU’s tent and say hello to Jimmy.

Courtesy of Pro Draft Guide

The year is 1987, and the SMU Mustangs are just five years removed from being recognized as back-to-back Division I National Champions in 1981 & 1982.  They are on trial by the NCAA and are awaiting the "Death Penalty."

Old Sparky

The Death Penalty refers to the NCAA's ability to terminate a school or university's sports program for any length of time for a repeat major violation.  The Death Penalty has only been handed down three times in collegiate sports history, with the most recent being dealt to the Southern Methodist University football program in 1987.

In 1985, the SMU Mustangs were placed on three-year probation for recruiting violations.  Previously, the 'Stangs program had been on probation a record seven times.

In 1986, reports surfaced that SMU players were still being paid by boosters.  That resulted in an investigation by the NCAA, and the result was the Death Penalty, which killed this one-time powerhouse football program.

The fallout from the Death Penalty sent shock waves not just through SMU, but their football conference as well (the Southwest Conference), which collapsed in 1996.

SMU did not field a football team until 1989.  Since their reinstatement that year, they have had only one winning season.  During that span, the Mustangs have also beaten just two ranked opponents as well.

Golden Years

Southern Methodist University won their first national title in 1935 with a 12-1 record.  They scored an eye-popping 288 points while only giving up 39 points.  In the regular season, they shut out eight of their 12 opponents, including powerful conference foes Texas and Texas A&M.

The history at SMU is rich.  They can proudly boast about the greatest quarterback in school history, Don Meredith.  Meredith was an All-American in 1958 and 1959 and would eventually get drafted in the third round of the 1960 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.  Subsequently, the Bears traded Meredith to the Dallas Cowboys for several future draft picks.

Don Meredith may never have led the Dallas Cowboys to a Super Bowl victory, but he did make the Pro Bowl three times and was named the 1966 NFL Player of the Year.  He is famous for leading the Cowboys against the Packers in the famous "Ice Bowl" game of 1967.

If you have ever heard of the Doak Walker Award, raise your hand.  Annually, this award goes to the best college running back in the nation.  Eddie George, Ricky Williams, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Darren McFadden have all won the Doak Walker Award.

You may now ask yourself, who is Doak Walker?  He is a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former SMU Mustang running back (pictured above).  He won the 1948 Heisman Trophy Award and was named an All-American.

Walker's influence surpassed SMU and encompassed the Dallas area, as the infamous Cotton Bowl has been dubbed as "The House That Doak Built."  Doak Walker was named the fourth-best college football player in history according to ESPN.

Possibly the most well-known SMU alum is also known as one of the best NFL players to ever carry the pigskin: running back Eric Dickerson.  Dickerson was a smooth runner and comparisons to him have been made while watching film on Reggie Bush, LaDainian Tomlinson, Bo Jackson, and O.J. Simpson.

Dickerson was the ball carrier that broke Earl Campbell's Southwest Conference record for rushing yards and attempts.  He was a two-time All-American and finished third in voting for the Heisman Trophy his senior season.

Full Tilt

In 1981, SMU finished the season ranked number one by the National Championship Foundation.  In 1982, SMU was recognized as the number one team at the end of the season by the Helms Athletic Foundation.  The aforementioned statements are the reasons why SMU has been recognized as the national champions three times throughout history, despite the controversy in 1982.

The controversy in 1982 involved the Penn State Nittany Lions.  SMU finished the year as the only undefeated team in the nation.  They even beat the Pittsburgh Panthers 7-3 on New Year's Day in the Cotton Bowl.  They were denied a shot in the national championship since they tied Texas Christian in the final game of the regular season.  Still, the Mustangs remained the lone undefeated team in all of America.

In the Associated Press poll, Penn State were named as national champions, while SMU were ranked second behind them, even with a better record.  At the time, current ESPN analyst Craig James was a running back for the 'Stangs, and the Penn State-AP Poll controversy still boils his blood.

From 1980-1985, SMU had the winningest program in Division I history with a 55-14-1 record.

Like we stated earlier, SMU has been recognized by a major media outlet or foundation as national champion three times through their storied history.  We must inform you, though, that six schools were recognized as national champions in 1981.

The "official" champ on record is Clemson University, but in that year, Nebraska, Penn State, Pittsburgh, SMU, and Texas were all recognized by the cluster of media sources proclaiming national champions at the time.

The Future

What does the future hold for this storied university?  The average Joe probably never would have guessed that SMU's history would be so glamorous.

On Jan. 7, 2008, SMU announced the hiring of new head coach June Jones, who has a career record of 76-41.  Jones is the reason why Hawaii made a trip to the Sugar Bowl and Bowl Championship Series in 2007.

Can he bring glory back to the state of Texas for all Mustang fans?  With the talent around him, we could see some of those old, dusty SMU records broken.

SMU has one of the nation's most prolific passers in junior quarterback Justin Willis.  Many expect him to put up Colt Brennan-like numbers now that he is entrenched in June Jones' offense.  Willis will have a great wide receiver to throw to as well—Emmanuel Sanders.  Sanders, a junior, caught 74 receptions for 889 yards and nine scores last year.

The largest task for SMU will be rebuilding their defense.

Although success may not happen in 2008, the future is bright for the Southern Methodist Mustangs—and future years could look like the early '80s all over again.

A long time ago, a lanky good-looking fella from Odessa, Texas, wandered into the Park Cities area of affluent north Dallas and shook things up.

In 1962, coach Hayden Fry unveiled seemingly a five-year plan that would transform the SMU Mustangs back into football greats—a greatness that was shared by such legends as Doak Walker, Forrest Greg, and Raymond Berry.

As if on cue, the 1966 season proved out Fry's patience.  The Mustangs went 8-3 in a tough Southwest Conference while setting offensive records, thanks to players like Chuck Hixson (QB) and receiver Jerry Levias, the second Afro-American player to take the field in the Southwest Conference.

Years later, both Fry and Levias would be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame...together.

A five-year plan...hmm?

In Mesquite, Nevada, a retired and healthy Hayden Fry lives the good life with his wife Shirley.  After a long and tough battle against prostrate cancer, Fry has allowed himself to be thankful and knows what the word "fortunate" entails.

Out of coaching 10 years now, Fry is nothing short of a miracle.  In his first 69 years on earth, Coach Fry made and fulfilled countless promises to schools, colleges, and most of all, players and parents.

Even now, retired and out of coaching at Iowa, Hayden spends untold hours and days helping those stricken with the same demon that he beat recently—prostrate cancer.  His contribution alone in this scope is a story all to itself.

A five-year plan...maybe?

If there was a market that took investments on the "college football futures," I have this "hoodoo voodoo" plan that transcends logic and good sense.  My thinking is based on a retired super coach and a pair of coaches who both got to their present locations as fast as they could!

If this lanky, good-looking West Texan could inspire both of these young coaches, it would only seem like the closure of a great circle.

For the record, my "college football futures" money goes towards Southern Methodist University and the University of North Texas.

You see, the coach with a common denominator is our aforementioned Hayden Fry.  Yep, he coached at North Texas also, but by his fourth season there, his Eagles went 10-1!

A five-year plan...it's in the bank!

At SMU, enter new coach June Jones.  Inked to a contract at two million dollars a year, Coach Jones inherits a state of the art on-campus football stadium, a very active and passionate alumni, and a deal with AD Steve Orsini that mentions a "five-year plan."

Jones is represented legally by agent Leigh Steinberg and apparently has Orsini's attention.  Last week, Orsini said "no" to a deal which would have made him the AD at...Notre Dame.

Entering his second year at North Texas, Todd Dodge has had an influence on his Mean Green's 2008 schedule.  After going 2-10 in '07, Dodge has decided to face Kansas St on the road, Tulsa at home, and a pretty good team from Baton Rouge by the name of LSU...on the road.

Look for a vastly improved offense this year, but keep an eye on 2010 and 2011.  A new multi-million stadium is on the horizon, and recruiting is on the upswing.  Todd Dodge knows that a tough schedule now translates into better players signing that dotted line in spring.

What would Hayden Fry think?  Now in full retirement, he has time to watch his Mustangs, Mean Green Eagles, and Hawkeyes.  One master, and two building programs not 30 miles apart.

Check the AP poll in 2011.  I will be busy counting my "college football futures" money!

The Rock - www.ndnation.com

So, what happened recently that caused SMU's AD Steve Orsini to pull out of consideration to become the next Athletic Director at Notre Dame?

Orsini wanted the job. He campaigned for it publicly and those who knew him campaigned on his behalf privately.

We know Orsini was a finalist for the position, but there appears to be a complicating factor in the new hire proceedings, a separation of church and state so to speak. Likely in response to criticism of Kevin White and his role at Notre Dame, whoever the new Athletic Director is will likely have diminished power over football. In other words, we're seeing a separation of control of the football program from the rest of Notre Dame athletics.

And whether Orsini turned down Notre Dame or Notre Dame moved onto another candidate altogether, it's likely this emerging structure was a factor.

In concept, this isn't necessarily a bad thing for Notre Dame. It doesn't take much inside knowledge to understand that Notre Dame Football needs to be managed carefully and often separately from the rest of Notre Dame athletics.

Notre Dame is a Big East member for all non-football sports, but remains an independent in football. Additionally, football generated revenues are used to fund scholarships and initiatives outside the football program. Finally, football will always be a large part of the Notre Dame identity. These factors highlight the need for separate treatment and one can understand why Notre Dame is considering moving down this path.

The hard part of a split power structure is to get the execution right. If not the AD, who does have the proper relationships, the negotiating skill, the experience and the charisma/courage to lead Notre Dame through the next BCS negotiations? Regardless of who the next Athletic Director is (Notre Dame sports are, on the whole, healthy,) whomever this decision maker is will to a great extent determine the direction of Notre Dame football and by proxy, the public face of Notre Dame.

But there's a cautionary tale in here as well. If there's an Athletic Director out there with the requisite gravitas and experience who can handle all aspects of Notre Dame athletics (including football,) Notre Dame shouldn't let the experiences of the last ten years preclude hiring someone who can run the whole enchilada. That reminds me of the girl who always picks a guy who's not like her last boyfriend. A simple rule of business and life is that you don't make choices to get away from something or not be something (that's being a reactionary,) you make them to move toward a goal or a vision for what you want to be. Often these are mistaken for the same thing. And one could argue that the recent demise of Notre Dame football came about when Fathers Malloy and Beauchamp exerted control over the football program and effectively ushered Lou out the door leaving us with a ten year mess. Malloy also nixed moves to hire bigger name coaches and essentially made the call to hire Willingham.

There are going to be some tough, but meaningful choices and things could move very soon, especially since inside news is going public. It will be interesting and telling to see how this drama plays out.

BTW, the journalist "hack award" of the day has to go to ESPN's Graham Watson, who, without citing a source or even mentioning any type of deal specifics has proclaimed that "Orsini turns down AD offer, stays at SMU." What offer?  Espn.com - the world wide leader in sensationalist journalism at its worst.

It’s been a long two decades for the SMU Mustangs.  Since their pre-death penalty run of success in the early 1980s, SMU has gone without a postseason appearance since 1984, when they finished up a five-year run in the national spotlight.

After going 5-6 and 6-6 in 2005 and 2006 and just missing out on that elusive winning season and bowl game, it looked like 2007 could’ve been a big year.  Instead, it was a big disappointment, as the Mustangs went 1-11 and winless in Conference USA at 0-8.

Even though six of those losses were by 10 points or less, it wasn’t enough to keep Phil Bennett on the sidelines, as his tenure came to an end after six seasons.

But there’s reason for optimism in Dallas, as the Mustangs have a new head coach in June Jones, who turned Hawai'i from an also-ran into a premier program.  Will he be able to do the same with SMU?

SMU Mustangs

Coach: June Jones (0-0, 1st year at SMU, 75-41 in nine seasons at Hawai'i)

Key Returnees: QB Justin Willis, WR Emmanuel Sanders, RB DeMyron Martin, OL Mitch Enright, OL Sean Lobo, OL Tommy Poynter, DE Youri Yenga, DL Serge Elizee, LB Will Bonilla, LB Justin Smart, CB Bryan McCann, FS Tyler Jones, SS Rock Dennis, DB David Haynes

Key Losses: RB James Mapps (suspension), FS Bryce Hudman (suspension), WR Zack Sledge, WR Columbus Givens, LB Wilton McCray, DL Cory Muse, DB Jonathan Lindley, WR/DB Devin Lowery, DB Brandon Jones, LB Damon Hurst

2008 Schedule

Aug. 29 @ Rice

Sep. 6 Texas State

Sep. 13 @ Texas Tech

Sep. 20 TCU

Sep. 25 @ Tulane

Oct. 4 @ UCF

Oct. 11 Tulsa

Oct. 18 Houston

Oct. 25 @ Navy

Nov. 8 Memphis

Nov. 15 @ UTEP

Nov. 29 Southern Miss

Key Game: Sep. 20 vs. TCU

The previous week's game against Texas Tech could be an intriguing one if SMU starts 2-0, but what better way to usher in a new era than to lay the wood on your archrival?  The last time SMU hosted TCU, they upset the 22nd-ranked Horned Frogs 21-10 in 2005. 

Last season, SMU held TCU to only seven points on offense, but a blocked punt TD and a pick-six were the difference in a 21-7 TCU win.  This year, things could be much, much different if the Mustangs are riding high on confidence heading into this one, as they should be.

2008 Outlook

During their run in the '80s, a potent running attack led by the likes of Eric Dickerson and Craig James was the hallmark of SMU’s offense.  The Pony Express will be back in business, but the new generation will keep in step with today’s technology and go more by air than ground.

The biggest beneficiary of the new wide-open, pass-friendly offense is QB Justin Willis.  In his first two seasons, Willis has been one of the bright spots of the team, blossoming into one of the top quarterbacks in the conference.

As a freshman, he threw for 26 touchdowns and only six interceptions on the way to being the conference’s Freshman of the Year.  Last season, his numbers suffered a little as he threw the ball a lot more (414 times, up from 270 in 2006) in shootout after shootout, but he did rack up 2,944 yards and 25 touchdowns.

He was a sore spot as well, thanks to off-the-field issues that caused him to be suspended indefinitely until recently.

With Willis on the field, Jones has his guy.  If he can get the interceptions down (18 in 2007) and focus on the game, he could easily be one of the top quarterbacks in the country.

What gives Willis that extra dimension is his ability to make plays on his feet.  Jones had a fairly mobile QB in Colt Brennan, but Willis, who led SMU with 699 yards rushing last season, is much more of a running threat.

Willis’ leading receiver, Emmanuel Sanders (74 catches, 889 yards, nine TDs), is back, and a 1,000-yard season is definitely within reach.  Top running back James Mapps (suspension) will have to be replaced, but that will allow senior DeMyron Martin to make the starting job his once and for all.

The key for SMU is going to be defense, which had a big hand in last year’s struggles, giving up 39.8 points and 498.7 yards per game.  Granted, they did have to replace Justin Rogers, Adrian Haywood, Joe Sturdivant, and Reggie Carrington, but there’s no doubt that the D took a big step back after a solid year in 2006.

However, several starters are back this year, and the other likely new starters all have some level of experience, so defensive improvement is a good bet.  Safety and co-leading tackler Bryce Hudman is another player currently suspended indefinitely, but on the bright side, Rock Dennis is back after missing all of 2007 with a shoulder injury, and should start at strong safety.

There’s talent throughout the defense, from Yenga (six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks) up front, to Bonilla (82 tackles, two INTs, two forced fumbles) and Smart (29 tackles, 2.5 for loss) at linebacker, and Bryan McCann (four interceptions in 2007) in the secondary.  Smart and Jones (51 tackles, 4.5 for loss as a freshman) should provide plenty of big hits this season.

Special teams isn’t a concern in the least.  Thomas Morstead is the conference’s top punter (44.6 yards per punt last season), and the strong-legged senior is also a reliable placekicker (26 of 38 field goals, 77 straight PATs made).

So what will it take for the Mustangs to end their bowl drought?

Winning the close ones is what will take SMU over the top. In the last three seasons, they've suffered 13 losses by ten points or fewer (four in 2005, three in 2006, six in 2007).  If they want to take the next step, winning those games is a must.

If the defense isn’t a liability, the potential is certainly there for the Mustangs to make a challenge in C-USA and contend for a postseason berth.

Jones has engineered a major turnaround before, and with a great deal of returning talent in place, you can count on his Mustangs to take a big step forward this season.