SMU FOOTBALL

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FROM BAD TO WORSE

It was not a banner week for June Jones and the SMU Mustangs football team, as what once looked like a promising shot at competing for the Conference-USA title has quickly turned sour for the Ponies. After beating Central Florida 38-17 on October 15^thand improving to 5-1, the Mustangs have lost four of their last five games to put themselves a mere one game over .500 at 6-5. Although the team is bowl eligible for the third season in a row, to a man, the Mustangs would tell you that they have under achieved late in this year’s campaign.

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What once looked like it would be a crucial game between the Mustangs and the Houston Cougars was reduced to just another assignment on the schedule, due to SMU’s recent failures and the loss of superstar running back Zach Line, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a foot injury. That is really sickening news for Line who had just been named as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented each year to college football’s best running back. SMU really missed Line Saturday night, as they were demolished by the undefeated Cougars 37-7. Houston quarterback Case Keenum threw for 318 yards completing 30 of his 45 pass attempts while scoring both a rushing and a passing touchdown. SMU did not find the end zone until there was just 8:33 remaining in the game, when JJ McDermott hit wide receiver Darius Johnson for a touchdown, and the Mustangs’ only score against a stout Cougar defense. SMU was held to just 263 yards of total offense as they continue to fail to take advantage of opportunities to score points when they have the chance.

SMU will close out the regular season Saturday at Ford Field when they host the 4-7 Rice Owls. This is a game SMU really needs to, and should, win. Without Line things will not be easy, but a loss Saturday could reek of something worse that may be burning within the program. Some more explanation may be needed come late Saturday afternoon.