STORYLINES
The Mustangs saw a streak of four consecutive bowl appearances end with last year’s 5-7 campaign.
June Jones has never had back-to-back losing seasons in 15 years as a head coach.
SMU will face three teams ranked among the top 18 of last year’s final Associated Press poll (UCF, Baylor, Texas A&M).
OFFENSE
WR Darius Joseph ranked second in the American Athletic Conference with 108 receptions on the year, trailing only his former teammate Jeremy Johnson among the league leaders.
The Mustangs were beset with injuries at the running back spot last year. RB Prescott Line, who rushed for 332 yards and three TDs is the top returner, though RB Kevin Pope — a converted linebacker from last season — is expected to see significant action.
C Taylor Lasecki — who was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list —leads an offensive line that has three starters returning.
QB Neal Burcham will take over as the starting quarterback after he started the final two games of 2013. Burcham threw for 556 yards and two TDs, playing behind record-setting signal-caller Garrett Gilbert last year.
DEFENSE
SMU returns seven defensive starters from last year, though Kevin Pope — who was second on the team in tackles as a linebacker — moves to running back.
LB Stephon Sanders registered a team-high 13.5 tackles for loss and had 86 total tackles in 2013. Sanders had 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception.
The Mustangs bring back all three starters from last year’s defensive line. DE Beau Barnes had five sacks, 13 tackles for loss and an interception to lead that group.
After allowing 30 or more points in each of their first five games, the Mustangs allowed more than 30 points just twice in their final seven contests.
SPECIAL TEAMS
SMU will have to replace a pair of oustanding kicking specialists from last season.
K Cody Rademacher, who served as a holder last year, is the early favorite to take over at placekicker, while the punter spot will likely be filled by a newcomer.
WR Deion Sanders averaged 20.6 yards on kickoff returns last season.