2010 SMU Football Predictions

2010 SMU Football Predictions

SMU completed moment in the Conference USA West Division in 2009 at 6-2, and were invited to their first bowl game since 1984. The Mustangs went on to defeat Nevada in the Hawaii Bowl to finish up the 2009 season at 8-5 overall. This year the Mustangs enter into the third season under head coach June Jones, and with 15 starters back SMU will look to compete for the conference title in 2010. Here is a swift breakdown of what the Cougars will send to the field on both offense and defense this season, plus my thoughts on where they finish up the year in Conference USA.

Offense:

The Mustangs believe they will be even superior on the offensive side of the ball in 2010, as they bring back sophomore starting quarterback Kyle Padron, who really played well as a freshman throwing for 1,922 yards with 10 touchdowns to just four interceptions. I look for the Mustangs to free up the offense for Padron this season, and I think we see his yards and touchdowns increase large time this season.

One reason Padron will likely be asked to throw it up more this season, is the fact that the Mustangs have to replace top running back from final year in Shawnbrey McNeal, who ran for 1,188 yards and 12 scores. Heading into the begin it looks as though the Mustangs are going to begin freshman Darryl Fields, who is drawing comparisons to SMU great Eric Dickerson.

At wide receiver the Mustangs lose another large playmaker, in 2009 top receiver Emmanuel Sanders. They do however have three starters back that prefabricated some solid contributions final year, so I don’t anticipate a large drop off in production from this unit. Look for sophomore Darius Johnson to step in and fill the open void left by Samuels.

Looking at the offensive line, the Mustangs should be pretty solid up front, as they return four starters from final year, including two very solid tackles in juniors Kelvin Beachum and JT Brooks. Junior Kelly turner figures to be the new starter for the Mustangs, as he is projected to take over at the open right guard spot.

Defense:

SMU returns seven starters on the defensive side of ball this year, and they will look for much of the same improvements that were prefabricated final year, as the Mustangs granted just under 28 points a game in 2009 after allowing just over 38 points a game in 2008. Up front in the Mustang’s 3-4 scheme, junior Marcus Frazier and Taylor Thompson, who really played well final season, as they combined for 9.5 sacks. The Mustangs will have to make a change at nose tackle, and are expected to plug in the big body of freshman Mike O’Guinn.

At linebacker the Mustangs look to be very solid with three starters back from final year. Senior Youri Yenga and sophomore Ja’Gared Davis are back at the two external spots, while senior Pete Fleps returns in the middle. Sophomore Taylor Reed is projected to step in at the other inside spot after making the Conference USA All-Freshmen team in 2009.

The Mustangs biggest concern on this side of the ball will come at the four defensive back positions. SMU improved against the pass final year, but still gave up 230 yards a game. Junior free country Chris Banjo and senior corner Sterling Moore are the two starters back, and heading into the begin it looks like junior corner Richard Crawford and junior strong country Justin Sorrell will make their way into the starting lineup.

CUSA WEST Prediction – 2nd: I have the Mustangs finishing right behind Houston for the top spot in the West. The Mustangs will play Houston at domestic this season, but after getting throttled 38-15 final year, I don’t think they are going to have what it takes to win that game. This is still a very good football team, and should be headed to their moment straight bowl game.

For a different look at how the conference will finish up this season, check out Jimmy Boyd’s 2010 Conference USA predictions.

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