When the SMU Mustangs visit Penn State on Saturday for a College Football Playoff first-round game, it will be one of the most important games in the program’s history.
In their first season in the ACC, the Mustangs are thriving and making a comeback to the national scene after decades of living in the shadow of the 1987 death penalty.
An 11-1 regular season record was somewhat dampened by Adefeat’s loss in the ACC title game. With an upset against a strong Nittany Lions team at State College, SMU may now continue its season.
During their three seasons on The Hilltop, this could prove to be Rhett Lashlee and his team’s most formidable opponent.
This is a selection of Lashlee’s remarks at his weekly news conference on Tuesday morning.
On Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter
According to the movie I’ve seen, Abdul Carter is the best defensive player we had while I was a student at SMU. He is an issue. The fact is that there are other issues with their defense besides him. They play defense exceptionally well.
The other two ends are truly unique. For example, we would be concerned for them if they didn’t have Abdul. We are concerned about them. But Abdul is really in charge.
You see, he played more linebacker last year. He is really amazing. He flies around, creates plays, and is physically strong. This season, they moved him to defensive end, and he has as excellent of a record as any college football player. He is a top-five or top-10 pick in the upcoming draft for a reason.
In addition to the fact that he is arguably the most skilled pass rusher in the league, he has many advantages that he does not require. He is more than that, though.
He is a versatile player. And his motor is what really catches my attention; he plays the game correctly. He plays so hard that you have a lot of respect for him.
On preparing players for a cold-weather game in State College
I’m not happy. Today was a pretty pleasant day. We had chilly days before the game in Charlotte, so we practiced in the 30s and 40s. We went in the morning.
I believe that was beneficial to us. When the game concluded, it was about 35 or 37 degrees in Charlotte, so I don’t think the weather was a problem. I believe our guys did a fantastic job.
It will be different this time. It will most likely be twenty-five or such. They are playing in the same weather as us, so here’s the thing. Like us, they were able to play in it. Additionally, I don’t believe they have ever played a game at home on December 21.
The weather isn’t a significant deal, in my opinion. Whether there is snow or not, and whether it is extremely cold or just mildly chilly, both teams are competing under the same conditions. It is what it is.
On SMU-Penn State being the only first-round matchup with two homegrown quarterbacks
Naturally, we are thrilled that Kevin Jennings, a Dallas high school player, has come and stayed here the entire time, which is quite unique. That’s cool, in my opinion.
After having some outstanding transfer quarterbacks for a few years, we’ve been playing with the high school guys we recruited for the past several years. That’s neat, too.
I recall Drew Allar as a big, powerful NFL-arm youngster who had performed admirably for them when he first came out. It is no longer the norm.
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