Under head coach Phil Bennett, the Mustangs are not known for success on the road. Last season SMU went 1-5 in games away from Ford Stadium. (John Schreiber)

A slightly more relaxed Phil Bennett took reporters’ questions Tuesday after the team’s 45-31 victory over North Texas.

The head coach believes that Arkansas State has an advantage from not playing last weekend. The Indians were scheduled to play Saturday night against Memphis but the game was cancelled due to lightning.

He also said SMU needs to make a statement by playing well on the road. The Mustangs only won one road game last year, against Tulane, and if SMU wants to achieve its goals then it must play well away from Ford Stadium.

“Our guys know if you handle your business week to week, the games get bigger,” Bennett said.

Bennett said the performance of the offense was what he was expecting when the year started, but there is still plenty of room for improvement.

He said quarterback Justin Willis needs to improve on his long yardage throws, several of which were off target against the Mean Green.

Bennett is looking for more consistency from his receiving corps. Columbus Givens has yet to have a standout game and play to his abilities according to Bennett. He liked the play by Zack Sledge and wants the receiver to play at that level for the rest of the year. Sledge pulled down the winning touchdown pass against North Texas and had 84 yards receiving.

One of the things that helped the offense Saturday was Offensive Coordinator Rusty Burns was back on the sidelines instead of in the press box. Bennett believes having Burns’ presence on the sidelines helps the players and results in a better game.

“With Justin [Willis], I probably gave him too much credit,” Bennett said of the decision in the offseason to move Burns up to the press box. “He needs someone down there.”

Burns will remain on the sideline for the rest of the season.

Bennett said his biggest priority this week is helping the defense. SMU allowed several school records to North Texas and gave up 601 yards passing against the Mean Green.

The coaches have been breaking down the game tape from Arkansas State’s game against Texas to look for ways to keep their offense in check.

Bennett said that while looking at the tape, it was evident Arkansas State realized that it could play with the Longhorns. The team managed to play up to Texas’ level.

“It was a tough game,” said Bennett.