SMU Defense Poised To Improve

While there was no single driving factor behind the SMU Mustangs’ disappointing 5-7 record during the 2013 season, but there’s no question that their dismal defense was one of their biggest weaknesses.

The SMU defense allowed 33.3 points per game last season, tied for the 100th-worst mark in all of college football. The Mustangs also gave up 413 total yards and 271.8 passing yards per game, which ranked 73rd and 116th, respectively. With a defense like that, it’s no surprise that June Jones’ team missed out on the postseason for the first time since 2008.

Faced with a young offense and a brutal schedule, a vast improvement by defensive coordinator Tom Mason’s unit is vital to SMU’s success in 2014.

The good news for the Mustangs is that their youthful front seven from the 2013 team, which suffered through extreme growing pains throughout the season, will all be back with another year of experience under their belts. A majority of last season’s defensive line return, with nine of their top 11 leading tacklers and all five players that recorded at least 10 tackles for loss will be back.

Jonathan Yenga and Beau Barnes, who combined for 11 sacks last year, look poised to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, while linebackers Kevin Pope, Robert Seals and Stephon Sanders will look to lead the way in stopping the run and forcing turnovers for SMU. Both Barnes and Sanders were named to the preseason American Athletic All-Conference third team by Athlon Sports back in June. Losing leading tackler Randall Joyner, who was one of the team’s biggest leaders in 2013, certainly hurts, but the Mustangs’ front seven will still be solid.

The secondary, on the other hand, could still be troublesome for SMU.

Cornerbacks Kenneth Acker and Chris Parks, along with safety Jay Scott, were the Mustangs’ most proven playmakers in the defensive backfield in 2013, but all three of them are now gone. Sophomores Horace Richardson, Darrion Richardson and Ajee Montes all saw their fair share of playing time during their freshman campaigns, and will look to continue to build on progress made last year. Meanwhile, senior free safety Hayden Greenbauer will be dependable in the secondary, and junior Shakiel Randolph has the potential to step up and be a legitimate playmaker for the Mustangs.

The SMU secondary isn’t going to be shutting down many opponents, but it can still be effective if it is able to limit the number of big plays allowed. If the Mustangs’ front seven plays up to expectations, it can take a lot of the pressure off the team’s young defensive backfield.

There’s no question that SMU’s defense has to take a big step forward this season, as much of the team’s success hinges on how Tom Mason’s unit performs. If the defense continues to be a major liability instead of an asset, the Mustangs could be in for a very long season.