SMU OLB Isaiah Smith talks BYU, first two games for Mustangs

SMU took a huge leap this offseason, joining the ACC and accepting a much tougher conference schedule than in years past. Most programs would feel the need to prove themselves in their new environment. However, SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee claims his Mustangs are not among them.

“Ten power games in a row, that’s what we asked for,” Lashlee said. “That’s what we wanted. I think there’s been a lot of buzz around our program, which is great. There’s a lot of over-excited people predicting what we should do. I mean, there’s no pressure on us. We’re not supposed to win these games, right?

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“If you look at history, the four teams that went to the Big 12 last year, none of them had a winning record in their first year… We just have to relax and go play. I think we have a good team. We’re not there yet.”

It’s not the most inspiring message a head coach has ever given, but it’s painfully realistic. After opening the season with two straight wins against subpar competition, SMU will be diving headlong into its grueling schedule.

With matchups against State of Florida, Louisville And Boston College Further, the Mustangs will be tested in their first season in the ACC. Rhett Lashlee knows his team has no choice but to find a way to swim in the deep water.

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“We’re still in Week 3, we’re still in that early season process where you’re trying to figure out your identity and who you’re going to be on both sides of the ball,” Lashlee said. “We’ve had adversity early in the season and we’ve responded well. But some of it is kind of mind-boggling.

“For me, we’re the underdog every week. It doesn’t matter what the line says. We’re not supposed to beat everybody. On the other hand, our guys are confident. I think they know we can compete at this level. I think they like that we’re in it, so we have to show that, but there’s no pressure on us, only the pressure we put on ourselves.”

On Friday, SMU begins its 10-game series against Power Four opponents with a showdown against BYE at 7:00 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.