September 29, 2017

By Dylan Edwards, SMUMustangs.com

DALLAS (SMU) - Through the first four games of this season, it's difficult to feel anything but extremely optimistic about this SMU football team. Nonconference play showed that the Mustangs have an offense that can score at any moment and from anywhere on the field while the defense has a knack for forcing turnovers and plays with extremely high-energy. 

Now, it's time to enter conference play and work towards the team goal of winning a conference championship. That starts on Saturday with UConn visiting Gerald J. Ford Stadium at 3 p.m. 

"I'm excited about where this football team is right now," head coach Chad Morris said. "They're very experienced. They are going to come in here and play extremely hard. They're trying to find their identity. We'll have our hands fun. We'll have to play well."

There hasn't been another offense in the country better than SMU so far this season. The Mustangs are simply dynamic on that side of the ball, racking up yards and points seemingly at will. They're the only team in the country to eclipse 35 points in all four games this season. 

They'll be going up against a UConn defense that is allowing more than 550 yards per game. SMU's offensive system will be nothing new for the Huskies, as their own offense runs a very similar system.

"Their offense is very similar to ours. It came out of the same (coaching) tree," Morris said. They go against this offense every day. This isn't going to be some earth-shattering offense that they haven't seen. There are so many similarities. I know they'll be ready."

Of course, that works both ways. SMU's defense will also have the benefit of going up against an offense that mirrors the one they line up against every day at practice. The Mustangs will look to continue their style of forcing mistakes by opposing offenses. SMU has forced at least one turnover in seven straight games dating back to last season.

On both sides of the ball, SMU has been able to win the turnover battle. The Mustangs have the fourth-best turnover margin in the nation at +7. Those turnovers by opponents have turned into 48 points for the high-powered SMU offense. With conference play beginning, continue to have success in that are will be vital.  

"We coach it every day, as everyone does," Morris said. "There's a great pride in our guys. We have a lot of experienced players that understand the importance of it."

The first four games of the season have shown that SMU is a team that deserves everyone's attention. They can score at any time, they play hard, and they have a resiliency that many teams lack. That team will be aiming for SMU's first 4-1 start since 2011. 

"We're excited about the challenge," Morris said. "It's about the SMU Mustangs. It's about getting better. It's about playing a one-game season. This is the UConn season. It's all about right here and right now and being the best we can be."