UNIVERSITY PARK - In compiling three straight 25-win seasons, SMU built depth with talented transfers.
Young players could get thrown in the fire and thrive because they had a point guard who controlled games and often willed victories, and at least two big men would could dominate.
With SMU's strong recruiting, it seemed the team could continue to roll despite the departure of Nic Moore, Markus Kennedy and Jordan Tolbert. But the Mustangs' development could take some time.
Through eight games, the absence of those core players sticks out more than the young players who were expected to contribute immediately.