There was a lot expected of the SMU football team entering the 2011-2012 season. They were predicted to win Conference USA; their players were named to numerous Watch Lists for some of college football's top awards; they were supposed to prove they could hang with the bigger schools of the Big 12. And then, against Texas A&M last weekend, all of that came crashing down to the ground.
Texas A&M flat out crushed the Mustangs, 46-14, in College Station. SMU was relevant for about a quarter and a half before being left in the dust. But it was a valuable lesson for SMU: they aren't good enough to play the top schools of the Big 12 and the rest of the nation. It was a gut check that the Mustangs will come away stronger from. They can focus on their C-USA opponents now instead of worrying about becoming darkhorse BCS busters.
The Mustangs play host to the University of Texas at El Paso Miners this Saturday. The Miners should prove a much easier opponent for SMU. The Mustangs are favored to win by 19 points and a victory would go far in rebuilding the team's confidence.
June Jones has elected to stick with senior J.J. McDermott, who came in to replace junior Kyle Padron after throwing two interceptions in the first two drives. However, Jones has stated that Padron will play at least a few drives against UTEP. Either way, expect a big game out of the Mustangs.
SMU vs. UTEP kicks off at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10.