College Football Preview: SMU

SMU Mustangs

2015 Results: 2-10 (1-7, 5th in West)

Returning Starters: 8 OFF, 5 DEF

2016 Schedule

September

3rd at NORTH TEXAS

10th at Baylor

17th LIBERTY

23rd TCU

October

1st at Temple

7th at Tulsa

22nd HOUSTON

29th at Tulane

November

5th MEMPHIS

12th at East Carolina

19th SOUTH FLORIDA

26th NAVY

Baby steps. That's what SMU fans need to expect out of their team. Chad Morris will be in his second season as head coach and will have a youthful team returning from last year's 2-10 campaign. Morris might be the guy to turn the program around, but it will take some patience. From 2009-2012, the Mustangs went to four consecutive bowls. In the three years since, they are 8-28 overall. The light at the end of the tunnel is near. 

On offense, SMU returns eight players. Senior quarterback Matt Davis returns and is expected to be named the starter. He had limited production a year ago, but he did not make many mistakes. Beside him in the backfield will be sophomore running back Xavier Jones who ran for 634 yards (4.2 ypc) and scored 10 TDs. Wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Ryheem Malone return to an experienced receiving corp. The offensive line is young, but they have had their share of playing time. 

The Mustang defense was atrocious last season. Giving up 502.2 yards per game and 45 points a contest will not win you many games. The secondary will be the key unit on the defensive side of the ball as they return the greater part. Defensive end Justin Lawler was the leading tackler a year ago and will return to boost the front seven. The linebackers have plenty of experience. Be on the lookout for true freshman Jordan Carmouche to make an immediate impact. The four-star linebacker was the prize jewel of this past class. 

Player to Watch: Matt Davis

This team will go as far as Davis can take them. He must improve his production. The senior must be the leader of this team and he has a host of talent on the offense that can help him succeed. 

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 at Baylor

Everyone knows the turmoil that surrounds Baylor at the moment. This will be one of the three best teams that the Mustangs play all season long. Going ahead on the record and calling for an upset. 

What to Expect

The Mustangs will improve this year, but they are still a few years away from being taken seriously. They are fortunate to get the top conference teams at home, but the schedule is still very difficult. Remember: baby steps. 

Prediction

4-8 (1-7, AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th