Bennet optimistic about new season

There was a different buzz in the room as coach Phil Bennettprepared to address the media Saturday afternoon as the playersfiled in with a certain swagger. New uniforms, a brand new Aturffield and new recruits bring a new look to a SMU team that finishedthe last season on a strong note, winning their last two games andthree of their last five.

Bennett first reflected on last year’s decisions withoptimism.

“It’s just how I am,” Bennett said.

He talked about going for it on several long 4th-down plays fromlast year.

“I try to remain optimistic about my odds,” Bennettsaid. Bennett seemed like a kid with a brand new toy, just waiting,wishing he could play with it immediately. He is truly excitedabout the year that lies ahead for the Mustangs.

“We have a young team,” Bennett said, “We have19 returnees and only 10 seniors.”

Unlike other teams in the Dallas area, there is no QB feud inthis program. Richard Bartel will be the Mustangs starter and isthrowing the ball better than ever as he continues to amazeBennett.

People to watch on offense will be running back Keylon Kincadewho rushed for 1,279 yards last year on a school record 327carries. Also watch wide Receivers Chris Cunningham and TreyGriffin as they try to make things easier on Kincade and the restof the Mustang offense. Cunningham is coming off a broken foot thatkept him out of the 2002 Season.

Defensively, the Mustangs will also have a new look. With AllanAdami, D.D. Johnson, Jonas Rutledge, Don Jeremia-Stansbury, MelvinWilliams, Rico Harris and Brian Bischoff anchoring what has beencalled a much faster defense, the Mustangs are hoping on being aforce to be reckoned with in the WAC.

“[The turf is] faster and shorter, but right nowwe’re looking forward to the Texas Tech game,” saidstarting middle linebacker D.D. Lee when asked about how they willuse the new look of the SMU field to their advantage.

The Mustangs will have three weeks after the season startsbefore they play their first home game. The Mustangs open theirseason in Lubbock against the Red Raiders, then a week off and backon the road to Waco before coming home to go against the OklahomaState Cowboys on Sept 20.