Rhett Lashlee on transition to Power 4: ‘There’s no pressure on us, we’re not supposed to win these games’

SMU took a massive leap this offseason, joining the ACC and, consequently, accepting a much more difficult conference schedule than in past years. Most programs would feel the need to prove themselves in their new environment. However, SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee claims his Mustangs aren’t one of them.

“Ten-straight power games is 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 overzealous people out there prognosticating what we’re supposed to 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 need to relax and go play. I think we got a good team. We’re not there yet.”

It isn’t the most inspiring message a head coach has ever delivered but it’s painfully realistic. After starting its season with back-to-back wins against subpar competition, SMU will dive headfirst into its grueling schedule.

With matchups against Florida State, Louisville and Boston College ahead, the Mustangs will be put to the test in their first season in the ACC. Rhett Lashlee knows his team will have no choice but to find a way to swim in the deep water.

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“Just into Week 3, we’re still in that early season process where you’re trying to figure out your identity and who you’re gonna be on both sides of the ball,” Lashlee said. “We have faced adversity already early on in the season and we responded well. But some of these things kind of baffling.

“To me, we’re the underdog every week. Doesn’t matter what the line says. We’re not supposed to come in and beat everybody. Now, on the flip side, our guys are confident. I think they know that we can compete at this level. I think they feel good that we belong, so we have to go out and show that, but there’s no pressure on us, only the pressure we put on ourselves.”

On Friday, SMU will begin its 10-game run against Power Four opponents with a showdown against BYU at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.