Return to Glory: AA's SMU Dynasty

[AuburnAlumni]

Ok guys, I'm starting my dynasty with 1 star Southern Methodist and I'm going to attempt to rebuild them to their pre-death penalty glory days of the Pony Express.

I'll be using Playmaker's AA Sliders, 8 minute quarters.

Wish me luck!

[AuburnAlumni]

Re: Return to Glory: AA's SMU Dynasty

Season 1 Team Preview


Head coach: AuburnAlumni
6th year: 17-41
Returning Lettermen: 39
Lettermen Lost: 18
Ten Best SMU Players
1. QB Justin Willis, Soph.
2. LB Reggie Carrington, Sr.
3. WR Emmanuel Sanders, Soph.
4. DE Cory Muse, Sr.
5. RB DeMyron Martin, Jr.
6. P/K Thomas Morstead, Jr.
7. LB Wilton McCray, Sr.
8. OT Ben Poynter, Sr.
9. OG Caleb Peveto, Sr.
10. S Bryce Hudman, Soph.
2007 Schedule
CFN Prediction: 7-5


What to watch for on offense: Willis is a legit franchise quarterback who makes plays outside the pocket, and those around him better. Beyond the obvious physical gifts, he possesses certain qualities and characteristics that just scream success. Developing alongside him will be fellow sophomore Emmanuel Sanders, who ignited a pedestrian group of receivers by catching 46 passes for 605 yards and nine touchdowns. Look out for DeMyron Martin, a 6-2, 225-pound horse, who missed most of last year after whetting everyone’s appetite in 2005. With a passing game to keep defenses honest, he’s eyeing a monster junior year.

What to watch for on defense: If the Mustangs fail to reach expectations, the defense will probably be the guilty party. Replacing three starting defensive linemen and five members of the two-deep is going to take its toll, particularly on a pass defense that was 110th nationally a year ago. End Cody Muse and linebacker Reggie Carrington are all-league types, but they won’t be enough to keep SMU from participating in a number of shootouts this year.

The team will be far better if …the offensive line improves its pass blocking. SMU gave up way too many sacks in 2006, which makes Willis’ 26 touchdown passes and six picks even more amazing. He’s the headliner of this show, and any impediments to his growth represent a roadblock to the Mustangs’ postseason dreams.

The Schedule: It's not easy. The Mustangs have the three worst Conference USA road games you can get, going to Southern Miss, Tulsa and Houston in a title-dream-killing midseason stretch of three away dates in four weeks. While North Texas and Arkansas State help ease up the non-conference slate, playing Texas Tech and going to TCU means a 2-2 start is likely. There can't be any slips in home games against Tulane, Rice and UCF if the Mustangs want to go to a bowl.

Best Offensive Player: Sophomore QB Justin Willis. He has Conference USA Player of the Year written all over him. A deadly accurate short- and mid-range passer who completed 67% of his throws for 26 touchdowns and six interceptions, Willis should be even better now that he knows what he’s doing. As long as he keeps his head on straight off the field, and doesn’t try to do too much on it, he’ll become one of the league’s signature stars.

Best Defensive Player: Senior DE Cory Muse. A blur of a pass rusher with tremendous speed and improved strength, the second-team All-Conference USA star will now be the team’s main man up front as the only returning starter. He’ll have to deal with being double-teamed on almost every play and can’t get frustrated, but if he gets any sort of help from the rest of the line, he’ll flourish again.

Key player to a successful season: Senior CB Jonathan Lindley. The secondary was awful throughout last season, and should have an even tougher time this year, given that the three new starters up front are unlikely to provide much of a pass rush. Lindley was the one beaten by Rice’s star receiver Jarett Dillard for the winning score to knock the Mustangs out of a bowl, and now he has to be a shutdown playmaker to improve the defense.

The season will be a success if ... the Mustangs go to their first bowl game since 1984. After getting so agonizingly close last season, not getting the first winning season since 1997 and not being a player in the West race will be a major step back for AuburnAlumni.

Key game: Oct. 27 at Tulsa. Beating UTEP in the conference opener is vital, a win at Southern Miss would be nice, and a victory over Tulane has to be a given, but West title hopes might be dashed if the Mustangs can't win at Tulsa. With a trip to Houston the following week, they'll know in a two-week stretch just where they stand.

[AuburnAlumni]

Re: Return to Glory: AA's SMU Dynasty

Week 1 Recap (1-0, 0-0)


SMU ROLLS OVER RED RAIDERS
Mustangs Blow Out Tech 54-25


Colombus Givens celebrates his 57 yard touchdown reception.

--Lubbock, TX (AP) Led by their stellar Sophomore gunslinger, and an opportunistic defense that picked off 3 Red Raider passes, the SMU Mustangs made a statement to open the 2007 season that this wasn't your granddaddy's SMU...or maybe it was. The Mustangs pummelled heavily favored Texas Tech 54-25 in Lubbock Saturday afternoon.

"We wanted to make a statement that we are getting back to the way things used to be around here. I think we opened some eyes today." said SMU QB Justin Willis, who was sensational in his Sophomore debut, throwing for over 200 yards and 2 scores, and adding 20 more yards on the ground.

The dynamic duo at tailback for SMU of DeMyron Martin and Jessie Henderson combined for over 280 yards on the ground and 4 scores. Unfortunately, Martin was lost for 4 weeks to some broken ribs early in the 3rd quarter, leaving the burden of carrying the ground game to Henderson.

"We feel Jessie is up to the task. He has all the tools to be a game breaker at tailback, as you folks saw today." said Coach AuburnAlumni.



Justin Willis was sensational for the Mustangs in his season debut.

The defense had its share of big plays, including an interception on the game's opening play by safety Bryce Hudman. This turnover led to a quick Mustang drive, ending in a 2 yard touchdown by Henderson to give SMU a 7-0 lead early.

SMU proceeded to hold the high octane Red Raider passing attack to a 3 and out on the next possession, and once again marched right down the field, scoring again on a 2 yard dive by Henderson.

After a second interception by Hudman, one of 3 for the Sophomore safety, SMU took a commanding 21-0 lead before the homestanding Raider fans had even gotten their nachos.

Next up for the Mustangs is the Mean Green of North Texas back home in Dallas.


Key Stats

Total Offense: SMU 524 Texas Tech 347
Rushing: SMU 44-295-5 TD Texas Tech 24-67-1 TD
Passing: SMU 15-25 229 2 TD 1 INT Texas Tech 24-36 280 2 TD 3 INT
Turnovers: SMU 3 Texas Tech 5
TOP: SMU 18:34 Texas Tech 13:30

SMU Leaders
Passing
Justin Willis 15-25 229 2 TD 1 INT, 6 rushes for 20 yards and 1 TD

Rushing
DeMyron Martin 15-112 yards (left in the 2nd quarter with broken ribs)
Jessie Henderson 19-176 yards 4 TDs

Receiving
Colombus Givens 5-119 1 TD (57 yard score)

Defense
Bryce Hudman 10 tackles, 3 INTs

Play of the Game
Willis hits Givens for a 57 yard scoring strike




Week 1 Top 5
1. USC
2. Michigan
3. LSU
4. Florida
5. Texas

[Qb]

Re: Return to Glory: AA's SMU Dynasty

Wow, nice upset to start the year. Good luck!

[Brandon 2006]

Re: Return to Glory: AA's SMU Dynasty

Huge upset over TT, nice way to start a year.

I'm following.

[superjames1992]

Re: Return to Glory: AA's SMU Dynasty

Nice upset over your in state rival! I'll be following.

[rglass95]

Re: Return to Glory: AA's SMU Dynasty

Niiiiice.

For some reason EA has the game at Texas Tech this year, when in fact it is being played in Dallas. Oh well. I look forward to your next game.

[Beukeboom_23]

Re: Return to Glory: AA's SMU Dynasty

I'll follow IN SPITE of the fact that you upset my Red Raiders.

Nice way to start the year, good luck the rest of the way.

[mudtiger]

Re: Return to Glory: AA's SMU Dynasty

Now that pass had some zip on it.

Great way to start the year

[AuburnAlumni]

Re: Return to Glory: AA's SMU Dynasty

Week 2 (2-0,0-0)

IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN
SMU comes back from 21-0 deficit, knocks off Mean Green 38-28


SMU Tailback Jessie Henderson plows over a North Texas defender and into the Endzone.

--Dallas, Tx (AP) SMU has gotten a lot of love this week from the media after its apparent coming out party over Texas Tech in Week One. Well... that appeared to be short lived after the first 15 minutes of their game against North Texas, as the Mean Green took command with an impressive 21-0 explosion in their first 3 possessions.

As all hope seemed lost late in the 2nd quarter, and with North Texas driving yet again for what seemed like the knockout blow, SMU Middle Linebacker Reggie Carrington rocked North Texas signal caller Daniel Meager who fumbled at the SMU 42 yard line.

With a renewed vigor, Mustang gunslinger Justin Willis led the SMU offense down the field on a 9 play drive culminating with a 6 yard touchdown pass to tight end and Entourage star Vincent Chase.

After a 3 and out, SMU drove into Mean Green territory yet again, this time connecting on a 38 yard field goal to make the score 21-10 at halftime.

SMU received the opening kickoff and moved the ball to the North Texas 23 yard line, where backup turned starter Jessie Henderson took off for a 23 yard run off the right side to cut the once daunting North Texas lead to 21-17 with 5:23 left in the 3rd quarter. This was seemingly the spark that ignited an explosion from the SMU offense, which scored 2 touchdowns in 2 minutes to take a 31-21 lead and send the Mustang faithful into a frenzy.


Willis is becoming an impressive field general for the Mustangs early in 2007.

Both teams split touchdowns in the 4th quarter to make the final score SMU 38 North Texas 28 and send the SMU alumni and fans home dreaming of big things in 2007.

North Texas's star tailback Jamario Thomas didn't disappoint as he was near unstoppable against the Mustang defense, racking up 88 yards on 18 carries, catching 8 passes for another 89 yards, and scoring 3 Mean Green Touchdowns.

North Texas falls to 1-1, SMU improves to 2-0 and heads to Arkansas State next week.

Key Stats

Total Offense SMU 291 North Texas 358
Passing Offense SMU 13-21 169 3 TD 2 INT North Texas 24-38 238 2 TD 2 INT
Rushing Offense SMU 30-122 2 TD North Texas 23-120 2 TD
Turnovers SMU 3 North Texas 3

Mustang Leaders

QB Justin Willis 13-21 169 3 TD 2 Int, 5 rushes 19 yards

RB Jessie Henderson 27-119 2 TD

FS Bryce Hudman 8 tackles, 2 INTs

Play of the Game
Willis takes the lead for SMU with a 22 yard scoring strike in the 3rd quarter.

[WoodyHeat1983]

Re: Return to Glory: AA's SMU Dynasty

I'll follow this. I like using SMU in NCAA. The whole death penalty thing makes it great to make this team into a winner.

[AuburnAlumni]

Re: Return to Glory: AA's SMU Dynasty

Week 3 (3-0, 0-0)

RECORD BREAKER
Jessie Henderson Shatters Eric Dickerson's Single Game Rushing Record in SMU Win


Henderson sprints 94 yards to the endzone for one of his 8 touchdowns on the day.

--Jonesboro, Ark (AP) DeMyron Martin may have some work to do when he gets back from his early season injury...like trying to get his job back from Jessie Henderson. The SMU Mustangs crushed the Arkansas State Indians 69-21 in a game that was over as soon as the opening kickoff was fumbled by the Indians and turned into a Mustang touchdown. It was 45-7 by halftime. All SMU starters were out by the start of the fourth quarter.

Henderson was the National Player of the Week with an incredible 300+ yard performance rushing, to go along with 7 rushing scores and 1 touchdown reception. Yes folks...that's EIGHT touchdowns for the 5'9" Junior who was second string just 3 short weeks ago. Both were enough to break the previous records at SMU held by former Mustang great Eric Dickerson.

"He's a special kid." said Coach AuburnAlumni, "We knew it the first time he stepped on the practice field. He just has that extra gear. This kid has speed that any school, even the Texas's and Oklahoma's, would relish."

The SMU defense stepped it up as well, holding the Indians to 59 yards rushing on 26 carries, and causing 4 turnovers, including 2 forced fumbles by National Defensive Player of the Week linebacker Reggie Carrington.

"We feel like we are part of something special here under coach AA." said Carrington, "I want to be known as being part of the group that brought SMU back to the way we used to be."


SMU had 2 National Players of the Week this week with Carrington earning it on Defense.

The Mustangs have shocked both the national media and their fanbase with a 3-0 start. Another huge test awaits them this week as they travel less than an hour away to Fort Worth to take on the very talented #23 ranked TCU Horn Frogs and their Top 10 rated defense.

Coach AA sounded excited, "TCU is one of the more consistent programs in the country. This is a big opportunity for our kids and our program to really show how far we have come and how far we have to go. It's also big for recruiting being that we are so close to them. Our guys look forward to the challenge."

Key Stats

Total Offense SMU 677 Arkansas State 316
Rushing Offense SMU 69-500-7 TD Arkansas State 26-59 0 TD
Passing Offense SMU 15-22 177 2 TD Arkansas State 14-30 257 3 TD
Turnovers SMU 2 (1 Int) Arkansas State 4 (2 Int)

Mustang Leaders

QB Justin Willis 12-18 130 yards 2 TD 1 INT, 7 rushes 60 yards

HB Jessie Henderson 30-336 yards 7 TD, 3 rec 16 yards 1 TD

MLB Reggie Carrington 7 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recovery

Play of the Game
Jessie Henderson jukes, spins, and dances his way 94 yards to paydirt.

[Cyros]

Re: Return to Glory: AA's SMU Dynasty

Plan on cranking the difficulty up anytime soon AA?

[AuburnAlumni]

Re: Return to Glory: AA's SMU Dynasty

Week 4 (3-1, 0-0)

WHERE'S THE D?
TCU rolls up 600 yards, 66 points in Blowout of SMU


Horn Frog QB Marcus Jackson fires a pass downfield. Jackson threw for over 400 yards.

--Fort Worth, TX (AP) The Honeymoon is over Coach AuburnAlumni. After a brilliant 3-0 start for the Mustangs, including an opening season upset of Texas Tech and a record setting day against Arkansas State, expectations were soaring in Dallas..and it wasn't over the Cowboys.

However, in the Battle for the Iron Skillet, TCU brought SMU back to reality with a 66-35 pasting of the Mustangs in which the Horn Frog offense never punted.

"Normally, if you'd have told me we would score 35 points and have over 400 yards of offense, I'd tell you we won the football game. That wasn't the case today. We had no answer for that quarterback and that running back and they made our defense look silly."

That quarterback was TCU signal caller Marcus Jackson, who absolutely shredded the SMU defense to the tune of 30 of 38 passing for 448 yards and 2 touchdowns with only 1 interception, as well as adding another touchdown rushing. The tailback in question is none other than star ball carrier Aaron Brown, who was a threat anywhere and everywhere on the field. Brown rushed 19 times for 78 yards and 4 touchdowns..an average of 1 TD every 5 carries...and caught 6 balls for 115 yards and another touchdown, including a 69 yard score in which he outran the entire SMU defense for the endzone.


SMU had no answer for Brown either on the ground or through the air.

"Those guys are good, we just didn't do what we were suppose to do." said SMU linebacker Reggie Carrington.

It wasn't a lack of offense that got the Mustangs, it was a lack of focus. The Mustangs turned the ball over 6 times, including 5 interceptions by Justin Willis, who had played near mistake free football in the first 3 games.

"Justin is going to be a great football player for Southern Methodist University. He just needs to learn when to throw the football and when to take the sack. Sometimes he tries too hard, but the kid played his heart out today and made some big plays for us."

Indeed, Willis looked to be on fire early on, leading the Mustangs back from a 21 point deficit early to get the team within a touchdown midway through the 3rd quarter. Unfortunately that is as close as the 'Stangs would get as a costly fumble by RB Jessie Henderson, followed by a poorly thrown interception for a touchdown by the TCU secondary gave the Horn Frogs a 21 point cushion they would not relenquish.

"We just had a bad game. We have to bounce back and get ready for UTEP at home." said Wilis.

Indeed, this weekend is a big game for SMU as they host not only UTEP in Gerald Ford Stadium, but also a slew of recruits for official visits, headlined by a trio of big time Texas High School stars, ****WR Jerome Morse out of Lake Jackson, ****DT Michael Sledge from Stafford, and ****LB Jordan Pruitt out of Hurst.

Key Stats

Total Offense SMU 455 TCU 599
Rushing Offense SMU 35-188-2 TD TCU 45-151-5 TD
Passing Offense SMU 14-23 267 2 TD TCU 30-38 448 2 TD
Turnovers SMU 6 (5 INT) TCU 2 (1 INT)

Mustang Leaders

QB Justin Willis 14-23 267 yards 2 TD 5 INT, 5 rushes for 26 yards

RB Jessie Henderson 28 rushes for 167 yards 1 TD

WR Colombus Givens 4 catches 124 yards 2 TD

DB Jonathan Lindley 12 Tackles, 1 INT returned 64 yards for TD, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Pass Deflection

LB Wilton McCray 11 Tackles, 3 TFL, 2 Sacks

Play of the Game
Justin Willis makes an ill advised throw that seals the win for TCU.

[jake44np]

Re: Return to Glory: AA's SMU Dynasty

I too am using Playmakers latest sliders for my dynasty.
I think 8 minute quarters are way too long, it allows for way too many points being scored.
I am playing with 7 minute quarters but I think I am going to move it down to 6.
By the look of your final scores you might want to do the same.

You are ave. 50 pts per game with SMU.