For the fifth time since 1999, the SMU football team has lostits top quarterback. Richard Bartel had several shiningmoments here (most notably, last year’s homecoming victoryover Louisiana Tech), but suffered from questionabledecision-making. He will be replaced by true freshman ChrisPhillips.
We sincerely thank our former quarterback for his efforts andwish him the best of luck at his new school (or with the CincinnatiReds, who are interested in his baseball skills).
At the same time, Ed Board has two reasons why every footballfan needs to still focus on the team.
First, our offense is clearly in need of some adjustments. Weranked last among the 117 Division I-A teams in total offense and106th in pass offense. In seven games, the Mustangs havefailed to put 20 points on the board. While our quarterbacksare not solely responsible for these disappointing statistics,their position entails leading the offense. Neither Bartel nor TateWallis were able to provide a sufficient spark.
Alas, a true freshman cannot be expected to instantly fulfillsuch an important role. Fans anticipating dramatic changes may bedisappointed. As head coach Phil Bennett said in a DallasMorning News article, “we’re not asking him to be thesavior of this offense or the program.”
Indeed, SMU is still a forward-looking team, and onesubstitution will not transform us into a national powerhouse. However, given our current position, Bennett has little tolose in giving the nod to Phillips, other than a year ofeligibility that has already half passed. But with red-shirtquarterback Ricky Joe Meeks still retaining four years ofeligibility, perhaps developing experience in one of the young gunsis a fine idea.
Second, Phillips is good. Undoubtedly, one of SMU’smost coveted 2003 recruits, Chris Phillips was ranked 23rd amonghigh school quarterbacks last year. His list of honors is alsoquite impressive. He chose SMU over Texas A&M, Arkansas,Louisiana Tech and Iowa State, all of which have prestigiousprograms. When approached about starting against Tulsa, whicheffectively discards a half-year for Phillips to impress the proscouts, he agreed without hesitation.
We imagine that he is truly eager to lead the Mustangs, and weare certainly eager to see him in action. Which way toTulsa?
