Coach Bennett and the Mustangs prepare for the Rice Owls. (John Schreiber)
With three games left, the clock is ticking on SMU’s season. And the best chance to end the Mustangs’ eight-game losing streak is this Saturday against Rice.
But like most things this season, it’s not going to be easy. Injuries continue to plague SMU, especially on defense.
Bennett wouldn’t give any names, but said multiple players are banged up and injured headed into Saturday’s game. He listed the ailments, though: bruised legs, hamstring strains, and bruised shoulders.
“It’s going to be ‘wait and see,'” he said.
Safeties Bryce Hudman (shoulder) and De’Von Bailey (lower leg) are getting better but are still questionable according to the coach. Bennett did not play them Sunday because they weren’t at full speed. The two have been out for an extended period of time, forcing SMU to use younger players in its defensive schemes.
Things aren’t any easier with a shortened work week because of the Sunday night game at Houston. Bennett said the team would practice in only shells and pads Tuesday and will hopefully be in full pads Wednesday.
The Mustangs will face a Rice team coming off a 28-point fourth quarter rally to beat UTEP, 56-48. SMU will have to stop wide receiver Jarrett Dillard, who torched the Mustangs last year in the game that cost SMU a bowl bid.
Bennett said the past week has been such a whirlwind that he hasn’t had time to think about the 31-27 loss last year.
“It was a big game, but I’m more interested in this year’s version of Rice,” he said.
Bennett said the Owls are like the Mustangs defensively in that they have been forced to play a large number of young players who are just now getting the hang of things and improving.
On the offensive side of the ball, everything starts with Dillard and quarterback Chase Clement. Clement threw for six touchdowns and ran for two more to account for all eight of Rice’s scores against UTEP.
With Dillard, Bennett said SMU must be aware of where he is on the field at all times and that they would use double coverage when needed to slow him down.
