Back From The Dead: Same Actions That Landed SMU The Death Penalty Fueled Mustangs' Rise

Introduction

In 1987, the NCAA imposed the "death penalty" on Southern Methodist University's football program for a series of recruiting violations. The Mustangs were banned from postseason play and their scholarships were reduced. However, instead of destroying the program, the sanctions seemed to have had the opposite effect. SMU went on to win three conference championships and make four bowl appearances in the seven years that followed their return to competition. How could a program that had been so thoroughly punished rise to such heights?

The Death Penalty

The NCAA's "death penalty" is the ultimate sanction that can be imposed on a college football program. It is typically reserved for the most serious violations of NCAA rules, such as paying players or committing academic fraud. SMU was the first program to be hit with the death penalty, and it remains the only program to have served the full penalty.

The death penalty had a profound impact on SMU. The program lost all of its scholarships and was banned from postseason play for two years. The school also had to fire its head coach, Jimmy Johnson, and several other staff members.

The Rise of the Mustangs

Despite the severe punishment, SMU managed to rebound quickly. The Mustangs went 7-4 in their first season back from the death penalty and won the Southwest Conference championship the following year. SMU went on to win two more conference championships and make four bowl appearances in the seven years that followed their return to competition.

How did SMU manage to achieve such success after being hit with the death penalty? There are several factors that contributed to the Mustangs' rise.

1. Strong Leadership

SMU hired Tom Ross as its head coach in the wake of the death penalty. Ross was a former All-American at UCLA and had a successful coaching career at the high school and college levels. Ross brought a new level of discipline and organization to the SMU program. He also recruited some of the top players in the country, including future NFL stars Eric Dickerson and Craig James.

2. Talented Players

In addition to Ross' strong leadership, SMU also benefited from having some of the most talented players in the country. Dickerson and James were two of the best running backs in the nation, and they led SMU to some of the most prolific offenses in college football history. The Mustangs also had a number of other talented players, including All-American quarterback Lance McIlhenny.

3. Favorable Schedule

SMU also benefited from a favorable schedule in the years after the death penalty. The Mustangs played in a weak conference and they were able to avoid some of the top teams in the country. This allowed SMU to build up its record and confidence.

The Broader Implications

The SMU story is a fascinating one that raises a number of questions about the NCAA's enforcement of its rules. Some people believe that the death penalty is too harsh and that it punishes the innocent players and coaches along with the guilty ones. Others believe that the death penalty is a necessary deterrent to cheating and that it helps to maintain the integrity of the game.

The SMU case also raises questions about the role of leadership in college athletics. Ross was a strong leader who was able to turn around a program that had been reeling from the death penalty. His success shows that strong leadership can make a big difference in the success of a college athletic program.

Conclusion

The SMU story is a complex one that has no easy answers. The NCAA's enforcement of its rules is often criticized, and the SMU case raises some valid questions about the fairness of the death penalty. However, the SMU story is also a story of redemption and success. Ross and his players were able to overcome adversity and build a successful program. Their story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever been knocked down.