(John Schreiber)

Phil Bennett challenged his team captains after SMU’s 45-28 loss at Arkansas State this weekend. The head coach held a meeting with them and discussed what each of them could do personally to improve their play and motivate their teammates.

The goal? To stop the Mustangs’ slow starts to games. SMU has been outscored 42-6 in the first quarter in the first three games this season.

“I told the captains to think about something you can do at your position that will give us a tempo that will get the game started,” Bennett said at his weekly press conference.

Because of the slow starts SMU has been forced to abandon the run game. Two years ago running back DeMyron Martin had a breakout game against TCU, rushing for 118 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Bennett said he wants to use Martin and the running game more, but the situations haven’t allowed that to occur.

He said in these situations the coaches have to get the ball to the player who can get the Mustangs back in the game. Right now, that player is quarterback Justin Willis. But if Bennett had his way, that wouldn’t have to happen.

“Would I like us to be more balanced? Absolutely,” he said.

Bennett said the team must get better in two phases: getting three and outs and not turning the ball over on offense. Turnovers at Arkansas State created a short field for the Indians and never gave the defense a chance to get a stop.

Overall play on the defense must improve if SMU is going to win games. Bennett again said there will be special emphasis on improving defensive play. The Mustangs are giving up 560.7 yards per game, which ranks 117th out of 119 Division I teams. SMU’s pass defense ranks last in the nation.

“It’s simple – execute the offense and execute the defense and be consistent in what you do,” Bennett said.

SMU is facing a TCU team that is equally distraught. The Horned Frogs lost 20-17 in overtime to Air Force last Thursday. Bennett said the plays TCU didn’t make were as big a factor as anything Air Force did. He also said TCU’s quick turnaround probably led to the lackluster play. Bennett expects a TCU team at full force and ready to go on Saturday.

He said his players have to understand there is going to be a higher level of intensity because there is a lot more on the line than there is for a normal game.

“Let’s face it, they made us their homecoming game for a reason,” Bennett said. “That’s why you call it a rivalry.”