SMU fans have reason to smile. The blueprint of coach Chad Morris' rebuilding plan closely follows the model of the national champions.
Morris' fingerprints are all over Clemson. And Tiger paw prints are all over SMU.
Morris basically spent three years recruiting quarterback Deshaun Watson _ one year to get his commitment and then two years keeping other teams away.
And the Tigers' prolific offense, which came in waves at Alabama in Monday night's title game, was installed by Morris.
Two years after Morris' departure, the power spread formation that sparked Clemson's rise remains in place with a few minor tweaks by current co-offensive coordinators Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott.