2009 College Football Predictions: SMU Mustangs

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This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions.  Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).

SMU Mustangs

2008 Record: (1-11, 0-8)
Coach: June Jones, 2nd year (1-11 SMU, 77-52 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Dan Morrison (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Tom Mason (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 15 (8 offense, 7 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Bo Levi Mitchell)

Offense: The SMU Mustangs return eight starters from the 98th ranked offense (314.3ypg). That certainly doesn’t typify a June Jones offense, but turnovers were the main culprit. Sophomore QB Bo Levi Mitchell threw 23 picks and the team finished next-to-last in interceptions thrown. They have two weapons in senior WR Emmanuel Sanders (67 catches for 958 yards) and junior Aldrick Robinson (59 for 1,047 yards). At running back, junior Chris Butler is the likely starter, who ran for 174 yards. The running game is usually not a staple of the run-and-shoot, though they are putting more emphasis on a pistol formation, where the qb lines up closer to center and the running back is four yards behind the qb. The offensive line returns three starters.

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 479.5 yards per game (118th in the nation) and 38.2ppg. Jones moved the defense to a 3-4 to utilize their athletes. Junior Pete Fleps (6-1, 228) moves from strongside linebacker to the middle and will call the signals. Fleps led the team last year with 106 tacdkles. They also return junior Youri Yenga (6-1, 223), who moves from end to outside linebacker. He led the Mustangs with 6.5 tackles last year and 10. 5 tackles for loss. This a young team that will have to get better up front, if they have a chance to improve. They’ll use their quickness at linebacker and athletes in the secondary to get more pressure on the quarterback. Senior CB Bryan McCann leads the way in the secondary with three interceptions. All four members of the secondary return.

Outlook: The Mustangs aren’t really shying away from competition, despite winning just one game last year. They do open with Stephen F. Austin, but after that, they take on Washington State on the road, are at TCU and host Navy. They aren’t gimmes, but will at least be winnable games. This will be a tough season for the Mustangs, but expect some improvement as they are still adjusting to the run-and-shoot and 3-4 schemes.

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