The 2005 SMU football schedule was released Wednesday night, when Conference USA officials finalized the league schedule. The season begins Sept. 3, as the Mustangs open at home against former Southwest Conference rival Baylor. In accordance with tradition, SMU will take on metroplex rival TCU Sept. 10. Perhaps one of the biggest games of the year follows, as the Mustangs travel to College Station for a game against the Texas A&M Aggies. But the move to Conference USA will also cause them to face unfamiliar teams.
The first Conference USA league game for SMU will be against the Tulane Green Wave on Sept. 24. Other games include a visit to Marshall on Oct. 1, and Alabama-Birmingham the following Saturday. The Mustangs will then return to Gerald J. Ford Stadium to face the East Carolina Pirates on Oct. 15.
In response to the question of whether or not the Mustangs are up for the challenge sophomore Cedrick Dorsey said, “I love a challenge and I’m sure everyone on the team feels the same way. I’m not intimidated all. I like the move because it will allow us to have more competition and more television coverage.”
The new alignment will consist of two divisions for the 12 schools who are members in the new conference. Memphis, East Carolina, Marshall, Southern Mississippi, UAB and Central Florida make up the East division, while SMU, Houston, Rice, Tulane, Tulsa and UTEP make up the West division.
“I think it is going to be a good move for us. Hopefully, the fans will come out to support us because we really need that and then maybe we can get the program turned around,” senior Brad Kieschnick said. “This year we have some new recruits to help contribute to the team.
Kieschnick feels that the team’s chemistry has finally come together because the entire coaching staff is returning along with seasoned talent.
“We’re due for a big season. We’re hoping for a ring,” he said.
The division winner with the highest winning percentage will host the championship game on Dec. 2 or 3, depending on the television schedule.
