SMU Mustangs Predictions & 2008 NCAA Football Picks
August 26, 2008
June Jones brings optimism to SMU football that they haven’t had for a while. Jones owns a 76-41 record in nine years as a head coach and he’ll only make the Mustangs better under his guidance. After going 1-11 last season with their only win at home against North Texas, SMU can only improve. Little expectations could yield a big surprise this season for June Jones and company. Let’s see what the Info Plays team thinks with their 2008 SMU Mustangs football predictions below.
Offense:
After a harrowing car crash, there was a time when fans wondered if June Jones would live or die, not whether or not he’d coach again. Jones landed the Hawaii Warriors a BCS bowl at the end of last season and he’s a proven winner. Sure, the Warriors got thumped by Georgia, but SMU would gladly take the beating just to be back on the big stage again. Jones has been pleased with most parts of his new project, be he’s still waiting on better quarterback play. Last year’s starter in Justin Willis sat out spring ball because of disciplinary reasons, but is expected to return this fall if he takes care of necessary requirements.
Logan Turner and Daniel Miller battled for the starting QB job in the spring, with neither showing Jones they are capable of running the offense. DeMyron Martin had a solid spring at running back, but the line remains a question mark. They are expected to start two freshman up front. Talent and depth are present at wide receiver, led by Emmanuel Sanders, who was the team leader in receptions with 74 for 889 yards and nine touchdowns a year ago. Receivers La’Cori Dohnson and A’Darious Medford required surgery to repair knee injuries in the spring, so they’ll hopefully return healthy.
Defense:
When we say there’s nowhere to go but up, we mean it with this defensive unit. The Mustangs’ defense allowed 498.7 yards/game that ranked 116th nationally. They were 117th in the country in points allowed at 39.8 points/game. A unit that returns seven starters must step up this year. SMU will be led by linebacker Will Bonilla and cornerback Bryan McCann on defense. The Ponies will be young on the edges, with sophomore ends Anthony Sowe and Youri Yenga starting. Experience is solid at tackle with seniors Patrick Handy and Serge Elizee.
Bonilla tied for the team lead in tackles with 82, and he’ll head a young linebacking corps that features sophomores Justin Smart in the middle and Peter Fleps on the weak side. SMU needs much better coverage from their secondary this season. Cornerbacks Derrius Bell and Bryan McCann, who led the team with four interceptions last season, will join safeties Tyler Jones and Rock Dennis.
SMU Football Predictions at Info Plays: 5th Conference USA West Division
With Jones leading the way, the question of an SMU renaissance becomes a when, not an if. Texas high school football recruiting is deep at quarterback and receiver, and the guys deemed too small to play elsewhere will love playing for Jones. Look for the Mustangs to come close to a .500 record this season, maybe even make a bowl if things proceed faster than expected. At least most of their tough opponents will be played at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
Check in on SMU Fall Football Camp here from scout.com.
Conference USA Wins Expected in ‘08: at Rice
Potential Scares/Losses: at Tulane, at UCF, TULSA, HOUSTON, MEMPHIS, at UTEP, SOUTHERN MISS
