Mustangs not overheating or letting up in final practices (Photo by Nick McCarthy, SMU Daily Campus)
Nobody ever claimed that football practice was easy, but in Texas, the August heat can be unbearable. The Mustangs aren’t letting it stop them from getting in some critical practice time.
Despite the temperature reaching triple digits, the Mustangs have kept their practice schedule full.
The players have “worked through the heat,” Head Coach Phil Bennett said. His “mature” team hasn’t let the heat slow them down, according to Bennett, but they will appreciate a day off.
The Mustangs are beginning to focus their practices toward their season opener against Texas Tech on Sept. 2. Bennett is confident in his scout team’s ability to prepare the starters for Tech. The scout team, whose job it is to represent specific players on opposing teams during practice, is the “largest group of guys” Bennett has had in his five years at SMU. Bennett went on to talk about the team’s focus and the surprising lack of “distractions” they’ve encountered in previous seasons. Bennett had a tone of confidence in his voice as he described the practices so far.
Bennett did not specify a main focus for the scout team practices, but noted that all areas need work. The 127 players are more than enough to adequately represent Tech’s team. Bennett specified, “everyone needs to work on execution.” He has been quoted as being upset with his quarterback’s playing in the Red & Blue game, but there was no talk of quarterbacks today.
This next week the team will focus on detailed game plans and is first game against Texas Tech.
With all the talk surrounding this year’s team, the first game is crucial. Will the fans let a possible loss at Tech affect their future support of the Mustangs? Will the buzz fade away with a loss to the Red Raiders? Some say that a strong showing against the Big XII powerhouse is all that anyone can ask for. Are fans asking for too much?
The 2006 Mustangs are expected to be the best team SMU has seen in 20 years. Despite the heat and past disappointments, the football team plans to draw on its experienced starters to lead the team to a successful season.
