SMU Coach Rhett Lashlee Reflects on 35-24 Loss to TCU and Future Outlook

Post-Game Disappointment and Analysis

• 😔 Coach Rhett Lashlee expressed deep disappointment for his players and fans following a 35-24 loss to TCU, emphasizing that the team prepared well but failed to close out the game.
• 📈 The Mustangs lost the lead in the fourth quarter for the second time this season, with TCU making crucial plays down the stretch while SMU could not respond.
• 🏈 Offensively, SMU struggled to establish a consistent run game, leading to difficult third-down situations and an inability to sustain drives.

Defensive Performance and Key Plays

• 🎯 The defense allowed TCU to move the ball early and gave up three critical big plays, including a long scramble touchdown and two slant passes that resulted in scores.
• 🩹 Despite these breakdowns, Lashlee noted that outside of these specific plays, the defense contained TCU's offense effectively.
• 🗣️ Tackling and execution on third-down plays were identified as areas where the defense needed to perform better to prevent crucial momentum shifts.

Offensive Strategy and Execution

• 🎯 The decision to attempt a deep pass on first down after taking the lead in the fourth quarter is discussed, with Lashlee acknowledging that while they had a play they liked, a failure to execute and a busted protection led to a disadvantageous situation.
• 📉 This sequence resulted in a third-and-long situation, contributing to an eventual punt and a missed opportunity to extend the lead.
• 🏃‍♂️ The need for a more effective run game to avoid predictable passing situations and maintain drive control was highlighted.

Team Identity and Finishing Games

• 🧠 Lashlee emphasized that this is a new team still building its identity, lacking the veteran leadership that previously helped them finish games.
• 💪 Confidence in finishing games is not inherent but must be earned through accomplishment, a hurdle this group has yet to overcome.
• 🤝 The coach believes that once the team breaks through and finishes a game, it will build the necessary confidence for future opportunities.

Moving Forward and Future Outlook

• 🗓️ The team will use the upcoming bye week to reflect, work on finishing, and prepare for ACC play against Syracuse.
• 🚀 Lashlee expressed confidence in the team's potential and their ability to become highly competitive in the ACC, despite the current disappointment.
• 🌟 He drew parallels to a past season where a similar disappointing loss was followed by a conference championship run, suggesting a similar turnaround is possible if the team sticks together.
• 🗣️ The coach acknowledged the significance of the rivalry with TCU but stressed that SMU is focused on building its own program and playing on a national stage, referencing future games against Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and LSU.