2024 SMSU Mustangs: Year 3 of Underwood

[MrMustang]

Really good read here from our old pal Andy Rennecke: https://www.stcloudlive.com/sports/c...state-football

Underwood is particularly excited about the offensive line, which returns left tackle Tyler Nebelung . He's also high on the Mustangs' receiving corps, which he ranks as the strongest position group he's had since taking over at Southwest.
"We're healthy and most of our offensive line is back. We red-shirted a lot of guys last year and now they're ready to play for us," Underwood said. "We have more depth than we've had the first two years. The depth at wide receiver is big. We have a lot of talent and the guys don't drop off in terms of skill."

I am very high on the offensive line. On the wide receivers I am in full wait and see mode however - I trust Scott, but that has been our biggest shortcoming the last 2 years besides qb since Boyer graduated.

[MrMustang]

My early prediction:
The Mustangs will be 3-2 going into Homecoming Week against the Wildcats on Oct. 12.

I can see that happening!

[MrMustang]

I have us at 5-6 this year. No Mankato helps.

I can see 4-7 to 7-4 key games are at Northern at Moorhead at USF -- need to steal 1 or 2 of those

[SW_Mustang]

I can see 4-7 to 7-4 key games are at Northern at Moorhead at USF -- need to steal 1 or 2 of those

Yup, agreed. I kinda averaged the two more or less and took the middle road. 7-4 would be incredible though.

[MrMustang]

I think the defense will be pretty good.

We need to figure out the QB

[SW_Mustang]

I think the defense will be pretty good.

We need to figure out the QB

Agreed. Is Oak getting the Week 1 start? He seems pretty excited via Twitter, but that's not much to go on.

I'm also curious about the RB situation, but I'm not too worried about it. That's always been a strong point for us.

[Stanger86]

Early steam picking up on the recruiting trail. I have the Mustangs at 5 commitments for the Class of 2025, before the fall seasons even begin!

Class already includes a QB commit out of Sioux Falls, and a DB from Brandon Valley that had I believe 4 NSIC offers.

[MrMustang]

2 deep out tomorrow finally !

[Stanger86]

2 deep out tomorrow finally !

Loft must've taken the holiday off

[Stanger86]

Starting this Saturday, Southwest Minnesota State University is introducing alcohol sales at The Schwan Regional Event Center for SMSU football games. This idea is designed to enhance the fan experience at Mustang games, while continuing a safe and family-friendly environment.

Alcohol will be sold at the north end of the concourse level and will include beer and seltzers, available in 12-ounce portions. The beverages will be sold and consumed in a designated location at the north end of the stadium.

https://smsumustangs.com/news/2024/9...all-games.aspx

[SW_Mustang]

For a year or two a while back they had a white tent by the endzone and I assumed it was for boozin'. If so I wonder why they stopped, and if not I wonder what it was for.

I'm not a participant, however I like the direction we're taking over the last couple of years trying to get fans in the door and generate a little extra revenue.

[SW_Mustang]

Happy Gameday to all who celebrate! I decided to come check the Ag Bowl out today. Minot State isn't a gimmie for us, and there will be a lot of questions answered. My gut feeling is it will be a close one - with SMSU winning by a TD or less.

[SW_Mustang]

Well that was brutal.

Great crowd tonight. New ticketing system is horrible. I'm headed back to SD.

[SW_Mustang]

Official attendance seems kinda low tonight, and was lower than last year. I thought we had closer to 3,000. Could be the new ticketing system (which sucks). But it was good to see so many people come out regardless.

That throw from Oak to Maher - the video doesn't do it justice. Maher came across the middle at the last second and took it home. It should have been an easy pick. Great play.

[SW_Mustang]

Yeah, there wasn't anything good last night beyond two plays. I figured our inexperience would show and we'd struggle against a Minot team that's slowly learning to invest in themselves, but that was downright awful.

I'm not out on Underwood quite yet. He has to navigate the transfer portal era. It's a tough sell to get kids to come to the boonies and stay for 4-6 years now when they can easily stay for a year and go somewhere nice afterward. That being said, he's gotta do something and fast.

I was going to come back for the Kearney game but between last night, the new ticketing system, and Marshall becoming an overwhelming inconvenience - maybe I'll just skip it.