Ponying Up: How SMU’s Past Informs Its Thrilling ACC Debut

A new era for the SMU Mustangs

As I reflect on my own college football days, I’m reminded of the excitement and pride that comes with being part of a community that rallies behind its team. For Southern Methodist University (SMU) fans, that excitement has been a long time coming. The Mustangs have been wandering in conference purgatory for nearly four decades, and the scars of the devastating ‘death penalty’ administered by the NCAA in 1987 still linger.

But with the dawn of a new era in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the SMU faithful can finally exhale. Athletic director Rick Hart’s emotions flow freely as he contemplates the possibilities, and it’s hard not to get caught up in his enthusiasm. The Mustangs’ journey to this point has been marked by hard-fought battles, setbacks, and moments of pure elation.

A seat at the big table

When the Mustangs open their season on Saturday at Nevada, there will be plenty of folks who wondered if such days would ever come. The phrase ‘a seat at the big table’ comes to mind – a coveted spot among the powerhouses of college football. For SMU fans, this is more than just a fresh start; it’s a vindication of their unwavering dedication.

Of course, the journey ahead won’t be without its challenges. But as Hart so aptly puts it, ‘I can’t even predict what that’s going to look like, feel like.’ The unknown is often daunting, but for the Mustangs, the thrill of the unknown is exactly what makes this new chapter so compelling.

Eric Dickerson, a Pony Express legend

As I sit here thinking about the Pony Express days of old – the likes of Eric Dickerson, Craig James, and quarterback Lance McIlhenney – I’m struck by the realization that the SMU of yesteryear is gone, but the spirit remains. The Mustangs have been through their fair share of trials and tribulations, but what’s emerging is a team that’s stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

A new generation of SMU fans

As the Mustangs prepare to take on the best of the ACC, the excitement in the air is palpable. It’s not just about the games themselves, but about the sense of community that’s been rekindled. Fans young and old are rallying behind their team, donning their crimson and blue with pride, and the atmosphere is electric.

So what does the future hold for the SMU Mustangs? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this team is ready to make its mark on the college football world. With each passing game, the Mustangs will write their own chapter in the annals of history, and it’s an honor to be along for the ride.

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