The SMU Mustangs (3-5, 2-2 WAC) will be looking to extend their winning streak to four games against WAC rival Tulsa (2-8, 1-5) Saturday at Skelly Stadium. The Mustangs have enjoyed recent success in the series, scoring 92 points during their three-game winning streak against the Golden Hurricane.
SMU head coach Mike Cavan is anxious to play a WAC opponent again after facing Cal State Northridge in a non-conference matchup a week ago.
"We've improved and built a little bit of confidence for Tulsa this week," said Cavan. "Tulsa has played well since the coaching change and gave UTEP its only home loss of the year. We expect them to play hard with it being their last game of the season."
The last time SMU went to Tulsa, the Mustang victory clinched the school's first winning season in 11 years. SMU defeated Tulsa, 42-41, in 1997 behind the four-touchdown effort of RB Kelsey Adams. Adams' four rushing TDs tied a school record.
At SMU's weekly press luncheon, Cavan and players Kris Briggs and Jason Simonton addressed the media:
Head Coach Mike Cavan
"I've said all year that anybody in this league has a chance to win. If you're not ready to play each week you are going to get beat. We're looking forward to this game because we're 2-2 in the league - I think that is something people have forgotten."
"I would like to get more carries for Kris (Briggs) and Johnnie (Freeman), but at the same time I'd like to get them all 15-20 carries a game - that would be ideal."
"It's time to see if we can win on the road now that we've improved as a football team and have found some success at home."
ABOUT WINNING STREAK
"I wish I knew the answers to what has brought this success, but there is no one reason. We've grown up a bit, the team has come together some more and we are starting to understand what it is like to play a full game and win - I think it is some of all those things."
"This can continue as long as our players keep wanting to win and play hard."
"It's probably a lot more fun for everyone right now."
PROMISING FUTURE AFTER CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE
"You feel like your program is heading in the right direction after a game like that. It's only a fleeting moment where everything looks good, and then you start thinking about what all must happen on and off the field for these freshmen to continue to play."
WALTERCHEID'S LONG FIELD GOAL
"(Adam) Walterscheid is getting better but we need to get him more consistent. He's got a powerful leg and has the ability to kick the long field goals. If he can continue to improve he'll be getting the opportunities to kick the long field goals."
#36 Jason Simonton - Senior Linebacker
"This game is very important to us and we need to win it because we control our own destiny the rest of the way."
"Our defense cannot give up on any play and has to go all out for 60 minutes. It will probably be a long game with their (Tulsa's) passing game and no-huddle offense."
"We've built up a lot of confidence over the last three games and have taken care of our assignments - but more importantly, this team is having fun."
"We've learned to ignore the big picture and what could happen, but sometimes you can't help but think about it. One thing the younger guys will learn is that if we focus on the task at hand and take care of business - the big picture will take care of itself."
ABOUT ENDING CAREER
"You want to go out on a winning note and leave football with a ring on your finger. It's something that I can look back upon and also something these younger guys to keep shooting for."
#24 Kris Briggs - Freshman Running Back
"Earlier this year, I doubted my abilities earlier because I didn't know what to expect and I think I tried to do too much. But when I slowed down and just started running, I began to feel more confident and starting having better success."
"We (the freshmen) are the base of the offense for the most part. There aren't a whole lot of people left to fill in if we don't show up to play."
RELATIONSHIP WITH RODNICK PHILLIPS
"Some day's he will have the big game and some days it will be me. It doesn't matter who has the big day as long as we win. I know he'll support me when it's my day, and I'll support him when it's his."
