SMU Finishes Tulsa Week Workouts
Nov 9 | Football
Dallas, Texas -- The SMU football team closed preparations for Saturday's game against Tulsa with a 90-minute workout this afternoon at the SMU practice fields. Mustang head coach Mike Cavan announced after practice that junior Josh McCown will start at quarterback for SMU.
"Josh will be our starter this week," said Cavan. "He had a very good week of practice and was very sharp. Josh has had a great attitude and a great work ethic the last few weeks after he lost the job and I am really proud of him. I told him when we originally made the change that if could be a good thing for him if he took it the right way and I think he has done that."
McCown started the first six games this season and has completed 132-of-262 passes for 1,592 yards with six touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He lost the job after throwing 11 interceptions in a a four-game span (NC State, Tulane, Houston and San Jose State). Sophomore David Page had started the last three games. He threw three interceptions in last week's loss at Rice.
"David is well prepared in case we need him," said Cavan. "I don't want Josh looking over his shoulder if he throws an interception Saturday but at the same time, we can't afford to turn the ball over four or five times and have a chance to win games."
SMU will be without sophomore wide receiver Cody Cardwell the rest of the season. Cardwell broke the pinky finger on his left hand in practice on Tuesday. Junior Jason Pipkins has been moved from running back to wide receiver to replace Cardwell. Pipkins' switch leaves true freshman Keylon Kincade as the Mustangs' No. 2 running back behind Kris Briggs.
The Mustangs will also welcome back players along the offensive and defensive lines on Saturday. Starting offensive guard Thornton Chandler is back after missing the Rice game with a broken finger on his left hand. He will play with a cast on his hand against Tulsa. Markus Pratt will also return after missing the last two games while serving a suspension for violating team rules.
Kickoff for Saturday's game is set for 6:00 p.m. Saturday is also Family and Friends Day at Ford Stadium. Groups of four can get four tickets to the game, along with four hot dogs, for $40.
