July 22, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; SMU quarterback Preston Stone speaks to the media through the ACC kickoff on the Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Obligatory Credit score: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports activities SMU quarterback Preston Stone will now not by accident say his present is performed within the American Athletic Convention.
“At this level, I feel (the Atlantic Coast Convention) is a pure,” Stone stated with a smile Monday at ACC media day in Charlotte.
Stone and coach Rhett Lashlee lead the Broncos again to varsity soccer energy in 2024.
This system could also be missing in current soccer custom, however SMU performed within the Southwest Convention towards groups equivalent to Texas, Texas A&M and Arkansas till the league folded in 1996.
“We have been on this stage within the Southwest Convention for a few years, gained over 11 convention championships, three nationwide championships and have a wealthy historical past and custom,” Lashley stated Monday. “Having had it and dropping it and now regaining it. I do not suppose there’s something mistaken with our college and we imagine our program in downtown Dallas belongs on the nationwide stage. We’re humbled and grateful for the chance to come back again.”
The Broncos have not gained a bowl sport since 2012, however they went 11-3 within the Convention USA and gained the convention championship sport. It was this system’s winningest season because the 1982 nationwide championship.
Placing apart the chaos of the newest spherical of convention realignments, Lashlee emphasised that he believes SMU has earned its likelihood to return to this stage.
“We knew this was a special alternative,” Lashley stated. “Our weight courses are shifting up. To go to 10 consecutive energy video games, our program hasn’t performed that in virtually 30 years. There’s going to be some adjustments there.”
One of many adjustments contains elevated preparation to arrange for the bounce in expertise. Based on Lashlee, 13 of SMU’s 20 transfers play on the offensive or line of defense.
Lashlee famous that SMU’s first two ACC video games have been towards Florida State and Louisville — two colleges that performed in final 12 months’s convention championship sport.
“I imagine we’ve a crew that may compete,” Lashley stated. “What’s that like? I do not know. We’re excited to get on the market and see the place we stand.”
Stone threw for 3,197 yards, 28 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in his redshirt sophomore season in 2023.
“I keep in mind when Baylor got here to city, Courtland Sutton was going loopy,” Stone stated. “I keep in mind Johnny Manziel tore us aside in 2012.
“Now we’ve a chance to play huge boy soccer within the ACC. I really feel very lucky to be the quarterback for this college. I do not take it flippantly.”
–Scene-level media
