Smu Rebuilding Job

[greenminer]

I watched the game, and was surprised at all of the speed, and good young athletes June has got already.

Putting players in their correct positions and teaching proper footwork does wonders for apparent read-react times.

[Green Guy Bass]

I am a proud NT alum, but I did take the job as radio sideline reporter this season for the SMU broadcast. (They know where to look for talent, North on 35) It was a fun year to see a down program turn things around and win a bowl game. A free trip to Hawaii didn't hurt either. Seeing players that have experienced great failure and finally taste success was a cool thing no matter how weird it might have seemed working for a metroplex rival. The folks at SMU do have more money, and most of them are genuinely good people and I am very happy for them and I appreciate the chance to tag along in 2009 and look forward to 2010.

People here have their frustrations with Dodge, as do I. After seeing a GREAT coaching staff operate up close every week on the sidelines and at practice was very eye opening. They were teachers that got the most out of players that might not be up to par on the talent front. The in game adjustments were a huge reason they kept the majority of their games close, win or loss. A head coach and a play caller that trusts his own system was also big. Sure Todd might love what he does, but when there are obvious flaws in his scheme at the D1 level - it is hard for kids that probably have a good handle on the game to buy in and roll with the system. I think we have seen that here over the past 3 years.

The fact that June's Run and shoot has elements like a run package under center, the use of a TE during run and pass situations, and backs that fit certain roles is a huge difference between SMU and NT. June's offense puts a lot of emphasis on the QB AND WR's making reads of the defense. After every offensive series there is a massive dialouge between the coach, QB, WR's, and WR's coach and I'll be damned if the next drive does not result in a score or a longer possession. Granted, I am not familiar with what happens on gameday with Todd, but I see the effort, play calling, and results and can honestly say that our guy is in over his head at times.

Can we believe Todd when he says that 'a play here, and a play there' would make a huge difference? Maybe, but a better overall gameplan that is centered around the talent that you have would put NT in a better position week in week out for success. See June Jones.

Also, with 6'3" Kyle Padron at QB for the Ponies for the foreseeable future is a huge upgrade over 5'11" and fragile Riley. If Todd decides to bring in a QB that can handle the physicality of D1 football then the offense might have a greater level of consistency. I don't mean to knock Riley here...I think he can run the offense with some succes and help the school win some games next season, but if you look at the bigger picture I don't think he is the answer. I know that many here feel that way.

Also to those who have their pom-poms and foam fingers on and gripe about those here that are too negative.....it's not a terrible thing to expect and want better for your school and the football program. Football in many ways is the 'front porch' of a University that many see without knowing what is inside the house. If one has a degree from NT, it is not high treason to bitch about the current state of sub-standard results.

[KingDL1]

I am a proud NT alum, but I did take the job as radio sideline reporter this season for the SMU broadcast. (They know where to look for talent, North on 35) It was a fun year to see a down program turn things around and win a bowl game. A free trip to Hawaii didn't hurt either. Seeing players that have experienced great failure and finally taste success was a cool thing no matter how weird it might have seemed working for a metroplex rival. The folks at SMU do have more money, and most of them are genuinely good people and I am very happy for them and I appreciate the chance to tag along in 2009 and look forward to 2010.

People here have their frustrations with Dodge, as do I. After seeing a GREAT coaching staff operate up close every week on the sidelines and at practice was very eye opening. They were teachers that got the most out of players that might not be up to par on the talent front. The in game adjustments were a huge reason they kept the majority of their games close, win or loss. A head coach and a play caller that trusts his own system was also big. Sure Todd might love what he does, but when there are obvious flaws in his scheme at the D1 level - it is hard for kids that probably have a good handle on the game to buy in and roll with the system. I think we have seen that here over the past 3 years.

The fact that June's Run and shoot has elements like a run package under center, the use of a TE during run and pass situations, and backs that fit certain roles is a huge difference between SMU and NT. June's offense puts a lot of emphasis on the QB AND WR's making reads of the defense. After every offensive series there is a massive dialouge between the coach, QB, WR's, and WR's coach and I'll be damned if the next drive does not result in a score or a longer possession. Granted, I am not familiar with what happens on gameday with Todd, but I see the effort, play calling, and results and can honestly say that our guy is in over his head at times.

Can we believe Todd when he says that 'a play here, and a play there' would make a huge difference? Maybe, but a better overall gameplan that is centered around the talent that you have would put NT in a better position week in week out for success. See June Jones.

Also, with 6'3" Kyle Padron at QB for the Ponies for the foreseeable future is a huge upgrade over 5'11" and fragile Riley. If Todd decides to bring in a QB that can handle the physicality of D1 football then the offense might have a greater level of consistency. I don't mean to knock Riley here...I think he can run the offense with some succes and help the school win some games next season, but if you look at the bigger picture I don't think he is the answer. I know that many here feel that way.

Also to those who have their pom-poms and foam fingers on and gripe about those here that are too negative.....it's not a terrible thing to expect and want better for your school and the football program. Football in many ways is the 'front porch' of a University that many see without knowing what is inside the house. If one has a degree from NT, it is not high treason to bitch about the current state of sub-standard results.

A great post to read, I enjoyed it.

[dodgefan]

Now that was some great insider input, thank you very much! Can you tell if the kids respect the coaches, like them, or mabey a little of both? Were you on the sideline with the team the whole season?

[Green Guy Bass]

Now that was some great insider input, thank you very much! Can you tell if the kids respect the coaches, like them, or mabey a little of both? Were you on the sideline with the team the whole season?

Yep, all 13 games roaming the sideline this season. A great experience on many levels. I can say that the players have completely bought in to June and his entire staff. The thing that blew me away the most was how the kids reacted to the assitant coaches and did everything they could to do what the coaches asked them to do. If mistakes were made they didn't continue for the most part. The first year O-line coach Adrian Klemm is a head coach in the making. He won 3 superbowls with the Pats and had his players ears after every possession. Secondary coach Derrick Odum was great and got the most out of his guys. SP teams coach Dennis McKnight is an intimidating presense, but he was a great communicator at the same time. To me that was the most remarkable aspect of the coaching staff - their ability to teach and react on the fly. Great stuff to see up close.

[Eagle1855]

Your an idiot

I love this.

[Green P1]

I love this.

You would. Typical hijack maneuver.

[Censored by Laurie]

You would. Typical hijack maneuver.

Beats that turncoat GGB bragging about how awesome his life is because of SMU.

If you love them so much, why don't you just marry them?

[Quoner]

I love this.

You know what's sad? I believe you really do love it.

On a serious note -- what can we learn from SMU taking coaches out of the equation:

-Fire most of your marketing and comms people early

-Sink a ton of money into failed ad campaigns

-Run off a few scholarship athletes

These probably played a much bigger role than the alums banding together and making Jones happen. Or maybe an athletic department that couldn't stop tripping over it's own feet for a few years was pushed forward to make a good hire by its top donors in spite of itself. Or, to be safe, we can try the three things I listed above. Hey, we already got number 3 down.

[Green P1]

You know what's sad? I believe you really do love it.

On a serious note -- what can we learn from SMU taking coaches out of the equation:

-Fire most of your marketing and comms people early

-Sink a ton of money into failed ad campaigns

-Run off a few scholarship athletes

These probably played a much bigger role than the alums banding together and making Jones happen. Or maybe an athletic department that couldn't stop tripping over it's own feet for a few years was pushed forward to make a good hire by its top donors in spite of itself. Or, to be safe, we can try the three things I listed above. Hey, we already got number 3 down.

They ran themselves off. We're better for it.

[Green Guy Bass]

Beats that turncoat GGB bragging about how awesome his life is because of SMU.

If you love them so much, why don't you just marry them?

I wouldn't say life is good. Radio was a bad choice. Like milk on a summer afternoon.

Edited December 29, 2009 by Green Guy Bass

[Eagle1855]

You would. Typical hijack maneuver.

I suppose the irony of the improper use of "your" was lost on the group. I just don't fit in anymore. Back to hiding.

[Quoner]

I suppose the irony of the improper use of "your" was lost on the group. I just don't fit in anymore. Back to hiding.

I loved it. I made a similar comment that a similar mishap was the highlight of my day and was calling back to the response I got and....you know what, this is your fault. You just don't get me like you used to.

[Green P1]

I suppose the irony of the improper use of "your" was lost on the group. I just don't fit in anymore. Back to hiding.

You's a troll

[Eagle1855]

I loved it. I made a similar comment that a similar mishap was the highlight of my day and was calling back to the response I got and....you know what, this is your fault. You just don't get me like you used to.

Where did we go wrong?

Where is the love from Green P1?

Where is my happy ending?

Where have all the cowboys gone?

[Green P1]

Where did we go wrong?

Where is the love from Green P1?

Where is my happy ending?

Where have all the cowboys gone?

rotflolmaobamf

[untjim1995]

I am a proud NT alum, but I did take the job as radio sideline reporter this season for the SMU broadcast. (They know where to look for talent, North on 35) It was a fun year to see a down program turn things around and win a bowl game. A free trip to Hawaii didn't hurt either. Seeing players that have experienced great failure and finally taste success was a cool thing no matter how weird it might have seemed working for a metroplex rival. The folks at SMU do have more money, and most of them are genuinely good people and I am very happy for them and I appreciate the chance to tag along in 2009 and look forward to 2010.

People here have their frustrations with Dodge, as do I. After seeing a GREAT coaching staff operate up close every week on the sidelines and at practice was very eye opening. They were teachers that got the most out of players that might not be up to par on the talent front. The in game adjustments were a huge reason they kept the majority of their games close, win or loss. A head coach and a play caller that trusts his own system was also big. Sure Todd might love what he does, but when there are obvious flaws in his scheme at the D1 level - it is hard for kids that probably have a good handle on the game to buy in and roll with the system. I think we have seen that here over the past 3 years.

The fact that June's Run and shoot has elements like a run package under center, the use of a TE during run and pass situations, and backs that fit certain roles is a huge difference between SMU and NT. June's offense puts a lot of emphasis on the QB AND WR's making reads of the defense. After every offensive series there is a massive dialouge between the coach, QB, WR's, and WR's coach and I'll be damned if the next drive does not result in a score or a longer possession. Granted, I am not familiar with what happens on gameday with Todd, but I see the effort, play calling, and results and can honestly say that our guy is in over his head at times.

Can we believe Todd when he says that 'a play here, and a play there' would make a huge difference? Maybe, but a better overall gameplan that is centered around the talent that you have would put NT in a better position week in week out for success. See June Jones.

Also, with 6'3" Kyle Padron at QB for the Ponies for the foreseeable future is a huge upgrade over 5'11" and fragile Riley. If Todd decides to bring in a QB that can handle the physicality of D1 football then the offense might have a greater level of consistency. I don't mean to knock Riley here...I think he can run the offense with some succes and help the school win some games next season, but if you look at the bigger picture I don't think he is the answer. I know that many here feel that way.

Also to those who have their pom-poms and foam fingers on and gripe about those here that are too negative.....it's not a terrible thing to expect and want better for your school and the football program. Football in many ways is the 'front porch' of a University that many see without knowing what is inside the house. If one has a degree from NT, it is not high treason to bitch about the current state of sub-standard results.

Good post--I just look at the fact that SMU went out and PAID for a top coach AND staff to come to the Hilltop as the reason they have seen the turnaround that they have enjoyed. In a jaded way, you could argue that SMU just went and bought coaches this time versus buying players like they did in the 80s, but I believe that SMU has finally figured out the right course of action. IMO, the two ways you improve your program are to find an eager young coach who you believe is ready for the next step up (i.e. Sumlin at UH, Kragthorpe at Tulsa, or Briles when UH hired him) or you go out and get a real coach who has skins on the wall--Fry at UNT, Fran at TCU, Jones at SMU, Price at UTEP, etc.. To me, the latter usually has proven to work at a non-BCS school faster than the former way. We did it before, albeit 35+ years ago, but the price of poker has changed. No one can expect us to match SMU's or TCU's pockets, but our administration really needs to ask itself if the university wants to succeed at football on a non-BCS Division-1 level. Having a smaller stadium than any other school in Texas isn't going to send that message, nor is keeping around a coach who doesn't go to a bowl game in his 4th year after going 5-31 just because it is cheaper than buying out the contract. In all seriousness, if we cannot find a way ADMINISTRATIVELY to fund this thing at a higher level than what we are even looking at after the student fee goes into effect, I just wonder how much different the next 15 years will be from the past 15 years. If we cannot afford to pay for a good coach and his staff, then we don't need to talk about competing with the non-AQ teams in Texas or around the region, much less talk about leaving the SBC because its not good enough.

[shaft]

I could edit the post, but I don't really care and I have a crappy public school education.

The Dodge Era is the worst in school history.

[NT80]

The folks at SMU do have more money, and most of them are genuinely good people and I am very happy for them

You really did drink the Koolaid over there didn't you? Money can buy a lot of things at $mut (players and/or coaches), but "geniunely good people" is not one of them.

[Green Mean]

You really did drink the Koolaid over there didn't you? Money can buy a lot of things at $mut (players and/or coaches), but "geniunely good people" is not one of them.

Seriously rediculous post.

[NT80]

Seriously rediculous post.

Seriously, it is ridiculous.

[Green Guy Bass]

You really did drink the Koolaid over there didn't you? Money can buy a lot of things at $mut (players and/or coaches), but "geniunely good people" is not one of them.

Grow up man, really. I don't like the SMU douche as much as anyone, I live in Dallas and are forced to endure them at a bars on a regular basis. There are some quality people that attend, graduated from, and work for the school. Went to NT for 4 years and ran into some grade A jackasses there too and some incredible individuals. It's that way everywhere. Please.

[UNT90]

Grow up man, really. I don't like the SMU douche as much as anyone, I live in Dallas and are forced to endure them at a bars on a regular basis. There are some quality people that attend, graduated from, and work for the school. Went to NT for 4 years and ran into some grade A jackasses there too and some incredible individuals. It's that way everywhere. Please.

Please! Everyone knows that SMU is the evil that has caused us to descend to the pits of the college football world, keeping us out of the old SWC 1st, and then later keeping us out of CUSA. Now they are stealing all of our radio broadcast talent. It is just a matter of time until George jumps ship and is lured away to do play by play for the Evil Empire.

I don't think it is a coincidence that Pres. GHW Bush lives next to SMU. Both are to blame for everything that has gone wrong at UNT. As a matter of fact, I think Bush moved there to continue to conspire with SMU and against us. Hell, SMU even gave him his very own library!! Coincidence? I think not.

I do think that you should work in an obscure UNT reference during every sideline report. This is the only way that you can prove your loyalty to UNT. I think the mods should ban you until you show your loyalty through these references.

SMU will fire you if you do this? So what!! It's only a job, right? Money comes and goes, but loyalty to UNT, that last... forever?

[Quoner]

Grow up man, really. I don't like the SMU douche as much as anyone, I live in Dallas and are forced to endure them at a bars on a regular basis. There are some quality people that attend, graduated from, and work for the school. Went to NT for 4 years and ran into some grade A jackasses there too and some incredible individuals. It's that way everywhere. Please.

I cut the brakes in your new Lexus. You've been warned, jerk.

[Green Guy Bass]

Please! Everyone knows that SMU is the evil that has caused us to descend to the pits of the college football world, keeping us out of the old SWC 1st, and then later keeping us out of CUSA. Now they are stealing all of our radio broadcast talent. It is just a matter of time until George jumps ship and is lured away to do play by play for the Evil Empire.

I don't think it is a coincidence that Pres. GHW Bush lives next to SMU. Both are to blame for everything that has gone wrong at UNT. As a matter of fact, I think Bush moved there to continue to conspire with SMU and against us. Hell, SMU even gave him his very own library!! Coincidence? I think not.

I do think that you should work in an obscure UNT reference during every sideline report. This is the only way that you can prove your loyalty to UNT. I think the mods should ban you until you show your loyalty through these references.

SMU will fire you if you do this? So what!! It's only a job, right? Money comes and goes, but loyalty to UNT, that last... forever?

I will do my best to mix in Mitch Maher and Chris Hurd references as much as possible in 2010.

Edited December 30, 2009 by Green Guy Bass