The SMU Mustangs have long been a program marked by their tumultuous history, a narrative that includes the infamous Death Penalty imposed by the NCAA. This severe punishment, handed down in 1987 for serious and repeated violations, cast a long shadow over the program. To this day, SMU remains the only football program to face such a harsh sanction, which drastically altered its trajectory for years to come.
Fast forward to the present, and the Mustangs are writing a new chapter. This season, they made a significant leap by qualifying for the College Football Playoff, though they faced a tough loss to Penn State in the opening round. Despite this setback, head coach Rhett Lashlee is optimistic, believing that this season marks the end of the dark era associated with the Death Penalty.
Turning the Page on a Troubled Past
“Nothing disrespectful to anybody here, you should have been writing about it,” Lashlee stated. “We’ve been revived. That’s over. That chapter is closed. We’ve moved on.” His words resonate deeply, emphasizing that the team has not only overcome its past but has also set a new standard for SMU football. Lashlee continued, “They made our entire school proud. They made our entire city proud.”
In the 1980s, SMU was a powerhouse, winning at least 10 games for four consecutive seasons. However, after the program returned in 1989, it took eight long years before they could boast a winning record again. It wasn’t until 2009 that the Mustangs made their first bowl appearance since 1984. The road to recovery has been arduous, but the current team is finally reaping the rewards of their hard work.
Recent Successes and Future Aspirations
After years of struggle, Rhett Lashlee has led the Mustangs to two consecutive 11-win seasons and a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff. This achievement is monumental for a program that has faced so many challenges. Lashlee reflected on the season, saying, “If you would have told anybody going into year one in the ACC that we would go undefeated in conference and play for a championship and be in the College Football Playoff, probably people wouldn’t have believed you.”
The game against Penn State didn’t unfold as Lashlee and the Mustangs had hoped, resulting in a 38-10 defeat. Yet, being one of only 12 teams to reach the Playoff is a significant milestone. It speaks volumes about the progress the program has made and the potential that lies ahead.
Lessons Learned from the Playoff Experience
Reflecting on the game, Lashlee noted the importance of execution. “Look, if we played the way we did in the second quarter today and throw — if you throw two pick-sixes, a pick in the end zone, or, I’m sorry, in the red zone and do some of the things we did, we would have lost to every single team on our conference schedule probably.” He acknowledged that while the loss stings, it also serves as a learning experience. “We’ve proven we belong. We’ve proven we can play with the big programs in America,” he said.
The Mustangs have shown they can compete at a national level, but Lashlee is clear that the journey is far from over. “We’ve gotten back to the national stage and we’ve proven we have a long way to go if we want to get to a National Championship again,” he stated. The focus now shifts to sustaining this success and continuing to build on the foundation laid this season.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the Mustangs look to the future, the excitement is palpable. Lashlee’s leadership has reinvigorated the program, and the players have embraced the challenge of raising the bar. “Now we have to see can we sustain it? Now we have to see can we take it even further over time?” he questioned, emphasizing the importance of consistency and growth.
The enthusiasm surrounding SMU football is infectious. The team has not only revived its competitive spirit but has also reignited the passion of its fans and the community. With a strong recruiting class and a solid foundation, the Mustangs are poised to continue their ascent in college football.
In summary, the SMU Mustangs have made remarkable strides this season, turning the page on a troubled past and setting their sights on a promising future. While the loss to Penn State was disappointing, it serves as a stepping stone for greater achievements ahead. With Rhett Lashlee at the helm, the Mustangs are ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead and continue to make their mark on college football.
