Why should this nominee be considered for the Broyles Award?
In his first season (2019), Ricker helped lead the offense to national rankings of seventh in scoring offense (41.8), ninth in total offense (489.8) and 13th in passing offense (309.0). The Mustangs’ highest ranking in those categories the previous season was 27th in passing offense, while neither scoring or total ranked inside the top 50. Overall, SMU ranked 14th in the FBS in sacks allowed (1.31), giving up only 17 on the season. The Mustangs currently rank fourth nationally in first downs (225), are 13th in total offense (506.8), 16th in passing offense (318.4) and 19th in scoring offense (38.7).
Coach's Past Performance
Ricker came to the Hilltop after serving as offensive line coach at Kansas in 2018, and served in an offensive analyst capacity at Oklahoma State in 2017 and Houston in 2016. While at OSU, the Cowboys posted the nation’s top passing offense with 389.2 yards per game, and ranked second nationally in total offense (568.9). In 2016, Houston ranked 17th in passing offense (296.3) and 26th in scoring offense (35.6). He spent two seasons (2014-15) coaching the offensive line at his alma mater, Missouri, helping the Tigers to an SEC Eastern Division Title in 2014. Mizzou registered 5,138 yards of total offense that season, including 2,648 passing yards and 2,490 on the ground. While at Mizzou, Ricker mentored 2015 NFL Draft pick Mitch Morse, who was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round. Morse has started all 49 games played in four seasons with the Chiefs. He also guided Even Boehm to a fourth-round selection by the Arizona Cardinals in 2016.
Team Record and Standings
The Mustangs are 7-2 overall, 4-2 in American Athletic Conference play, and are receiving votes in both the AP and Coaches polls.
Team/Unit Stats
The Mustangs currently rank fourth nationally in first downs (225), are 13th in total offense (506.8), 16th in passing offense (318.4) and 19th in scoring offense (38.7).
Individual Player Stats
Jaylon Thomas was named to the Outland Trophy Watch List, while Alan Ali was recognized as a member of the Rimington Trophy Watch List. Both Mustangs started all 13 games in 2019, and Thomas went on to earn All-American Athletic Conference Second-Team honors. The pair blocked for an offense that ranked seventh nationally in scoring offense (41.8), ninth in total offense (489.8) and 13th in passing offense (309.0). The program set records for scoring average (41.8), scoring (544), total offense (6,368), yards per game (489.8), plays (1,037), TDs (73), rushing TDs (35) and first downs (322). The Mustangs currently rank fourth nationally in first downs (225), are 13th in total offense (506.8), 16th in passing offense (318.4) and 19th in scoring offense (38.7).
