Trajectory check -- is SMU on the rise or the decline?

Staff Photographer Southern Methodist Mustangs head coach Chad Morris congratulates Southern Methodist Mustangs defensive back Jordan Wyatt (15) after an interception to finish the game against Liberty Flames at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas on Saturday Sept. 17, 2016. SMU won the game 29-14. (Nathan Hunsinger/The Dallas Morning News)The offseason is underway for SMU.

The Mustangs missed a bowl game but appear to be heading in the right direction under head coach Chad Morris.

Here is a look at three reasons why SMU could be better in 2017 and why it could be worse.

Three reasons SMU will be better

1. Chad Morris -- SMU kept Morris this offseason after he flirted with the Baylor job.…