Why SMU Is The Most Dangerous Team In College Football
When a team is averaging 44 points a game, it is indicative of a system that is working at a high level, regardless of the competition.
The season is only but five weeks old, but Southern Methodist University is the nation's only 4-0 team. Considering their history, a program that was once a powerhouse in the early 1980s with legendary players such as Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson and Craig James; to the dark days of the 1987 "death penalty", which set them back over 20 years. Since last season, the Mustangs have seen a resurgence in their program, that has brought them back in the national spotlight. Interesting enough, their success coincided with quarterback Shane Buechele transferring, following his junior year at Texas.
Last season, Buechele threw for over 3,929 yards and 34 touchdowns, guiding the Mustangs to their first double-digit win season since 1984.So far this season, Buechele leads the nation in passing yards and is tied for second in passing touchdowns.
Buechele is not the sole reason for their success this season. Senior receiver Reggie Robertson Jr. has emerged as one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in college football. This past weekend, the Memphis Tigers found out how dangerous, he can be with just enough open space, as he exploded for 243 receiving yards and two touchdowns on five receptions; interesting enough, his career high was 250 against the Temple Owls in week seven last season.
Not to be forgotten is redshirt freshman running back Ulysses Bentley IV, who currently sits third in total rushing yards. As a true freshman, Bentley IV did not record a single touchdown; in just four games this season, he had accounted for seven, while averaging 8.4 yards per carry.
As they sit among the only undefeated teams, the Mustangs continue to evolve and find new ways to win. With their nucleus in tact, expectations are set to continue their current offensive output, and win games.
Even if they have not fully gained the respect they deserve, it is almost certain that most Power Five teams are willing to match up against them. Is the playoff in their future? Time will tell, but for right now, they are a team to be taken seriously.