PonyPride.com - SMU looks out for 'trap game' versus Rice

November 6, 2009

Brian Chuck
PonyPride.com Staff Writer

On the final game of the 2006 season, SMU faced Rice with the winner receiving a bowl bid. The Rice victory sent the two programs in different directions. Rice would play in two bowl games in the next three seasons while SMU would follow up the loss up with two 1-11 seasons.

For Rice, that brief resurgence must seem a distant memory. They come into Dallas with an 0-8 (0-4) record and Rice head coach David Bailiff has tried everything after starting three different quarterbacks this season. Obviously nothing, and I mean nothing, has worked.

Now, SMU (4-4, 3-1) may be in the midst of their own resurgence but needs to be careful as the game sets up to be a perfect trap game.

Any time a team faces this type of match-up, the players and coaches always give lip service about "any given Saturday," and not looking past anyone. Listening to the players this week, you can believe them.

True freshman linebacker Ja'Gared Davis said the coaching staff talked about not looking past Rice almost immediately after the Tulsa game, saying they would have to prepare this week like they have every other week. Today's practice was an indication of that.

The first team defense lined up against the first team offense for the first time I can remember since fall practice. Practice was lively and highly competitive.

Head coach June Jones has said all season a team that is still proving tself is unlikely to actually look past any opponent. Junior linebacker Pete Fleps reiterated those sentiments with a great deal of believability.

"Not to sound like a cliché, but we don't want to get ahead of ourselves, take one game at a time. Rice is a team that can sneak up on you. Things haven't gone their way. But we can't underestimate them. It is a rivalry game and they are going to play hard."

Still, SMU fans will probably be holding their breath until they see their Ponies play with the intensity that this team has shown this year. It's intensity that has been marked by their defense.

Jones has brought the SMU program further in 20 games than the past regimes had in 20 years. When he was brought in, it was assumed his winning attitude would manifest itself on offense. Yet this season it has been the opposite side of the ball that has defined them. While the offense has been explosive at times, the consistency and swagger has been on the defensive side of the ball.

Fleps said because of the type of defense they play, the unit is anxious to get on the field.

"Our defense is designed around making plays and bringing pressure from different angles," said Fleps. "We're looking to confuse the offense. We pride ourselves on swarming to the ball."

While the defense has been the story of the year, the story of the last two weeks has been at the quarterback position. Sophomore Bo Levi Mitchell has not played since he injured his shoulder two weeks ago against Houston. He's also shown his willingness to play hurt by refusing to take off his uniform at Houston and dressing out for the Tulsa game. Jones has indicated Mitchell, who practiced this week, can play but because of the injury they are being cautious. His status for Rice will be a game time decision.

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