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Defense
Van Malone has got to be a happy man tonight. SMU’s defense played better this game than I’ve seen all season. They looked great in the red zone –granted the Wave’s offense ranks close to last in nearly all offensive categories. Tanner Lee had no where to throw the ball, the coverage downfield was great, and the tackling was physical and aggressive. I really liked what I saw from Justin Lawler and the rest of the SMU defensive line. They established the tone early on and held the Wave’s big play receiver, Teddy Veal, to just a few receptions.
Xavier Jones –
The versatile back did it all for coach Morris and the Mustangs tonight. Whether it was rushing the ball, catching fly sweeps, or running a screen – Jones could not be stopped. In the first half alone he had nearly 100 yards on just 10 carries for three scores. The guy is so dynamic and quick with his lateral movement, he is someone that has to be accounted for at all times. The Mustangs might want to think about expanding their offensive packages to include him more frequently.
Justin Lawler –
The sophomore defensive lineman had an incredible game. It seemed like he was in the backfield every play. For an SMU defense that lacks a premier pass rushing threat, Lawler really stepped up. At 6-foot-4, 251 pounds he’s big enough to matchup with the big boys up front and athletic enough to beat them with a quick first step. He shed blocks like a man possessed and got to Lee a number of times before he was pulled. Great showing by Lawler tonight. He singlehandedly made SMU look like they had a pass rush.
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Special Teams – the punting in particular was especially bad. There wasn’t one over 30 yards and they always gave the Wave great field position. On the receiving end, neither Sutton nor Sanders Jr. had any chance to return one. The blocks aren’t set up fast enough, and if SMU wants to keep themselves in games, they need good field position acquired from punt returns to help ease things along.
Pass rush –
The pass rush has been non-existent all season for the Mustangs. Aside from Lawler, there is no one putting any pressure on the quarterback. With an immobile and average quarterback like Lee, you need to have pressure on him at all times to force turnovers. He was hammered a few times after completing a pass, but other than that he had all the time in the world.
Passing attack
Matt Davis undoubtedly had himself a great night, but it was once again all done with his legs. SMU’s leading rusher is their quarterback, which isn’t a great sign, and that makes them very one-dimensional. Davis still has trouble finding open targets more than 30 yards away, and his accuracy in intermediate routes is poor enough to warrant to the number of bubble screens and sweeps that SMU ran today. Davis was incredibly efficient on bootlegs, which continues to be his strength, but SMU needs to diversify their play calling if they’re going to win games next year.
Defense
Van Malone has got to be a happy man tonight. SMU’s defense played better this game than I’ve seen all season. They looked great in the red zone –granted the Wave’s offense ranks close to last in nearly all offensive categories. Tanner Lee had no where to throw the ball, the coverage downfield was great, and the tackling was physical and aggressive. I really liked what I saw from Justin Lawler and the rest of the SMU defensive line. They established the tone early on and held the Wave’s big play receiver, Teddy Veal, to just a few receptions.
Xavier Jones –
The versatile back did it all for coach Morris and the Mustangs tonight. Whether it was rushing the ball, catching fly sweeps, or running a screen – Jones could not be stopped. In the first half alone he had nearly 100 yards on just 10 carries for three scores. The guy is so dynamic and quick with his lateral movement, he is someone that has to be accounted for at all times. The Mustangs might want to think about expanding their offensive packages to include him more frequently.
Justin Lawler –
The sophomore defensive lineman had an incredible game. It seemed like he was in the backfield every play. For an SMU defense that lacks a premier pass rushing threat, Lawler really stepped up. At 6-foot-4, 251 pounds he’s big enough to matchup with the big boys up front and athletic enough to beat them with a quick first step. He shed blocks like a man possessed and got to Lee a number of times before he was pulled. Great showing by Lawler tonight. He singlehandedly made SMU look like they had a pass rush.
Trending Down:
Special Teams – the punting in particular was especially bad. There wasn’t one over 30 yards and they always gave the Wave great field position. On the receiving end, neither Sutton nor Sanders Jr. had any chance to return one. The blocks aren’t set up fast enough, and if SMU wants to keep themselves in games, they need good field position acquired from punt returns to help ease things along.
Pass rush –
The pass rush has been non-existent all season for the Mustangs. Aside from Lawler, there is no one putting any pressure on the quarterback. With an immobile and average quarterback like Lee, you need to have pressure on him at all times to force turnovers. He was hammered a few times after completing a pass, but other than that he had all the time in the world.
Passing attack
Matt Davis undoubtedly had himself a great night, but it was once again all done with his legs. SMU’s leading rusher is their quarterback, which isn’t a great sign, and that makes them very one-dimensional. Davis still has trouble finding open targets more than 30 yards away, and his accuracy in intermediate routes is poor enough to warrant to the number of bubble screens and sweeps that SMU ran today. Davis was incredibly efficient on bootlegs, which continues to be his strength, but SMU needs to diversify their play calling if they’re going to win games next year.
