SMU coach Sonny Dykes was brought in to continue the burgeoning offensive tradition at SMU after Chad Morris. But even though both run a spread offense — and even though Dykes brought in up-and-coming offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee — the transition was rockier than expected.

The Mustangs quietly fell to No. 80 in total offense and No. 53 in scoring offense. Ben Hicks, the leading passer in program history, lost his job to freshman Will Brown, and then regained it once the team struggled. In losses, a talented SMU offense was held to just 19.6 points per game.

“Even though there were similarities, it takes time to instill the culture we want,” Lashlee said. “We want a physical culture, an accountable culture. It takes players and coaches time to learn each other.”

After the season, Hicks grad transferred to Arkansas and rejoined former head coach Chad Morris. To replace him, the Mustangs added top Texas grad transfer Shane Buechele. Buechele came just short of becoming the first quarterback to throw for 3,000 yards at Texas since Colt McCoy. Sam Ehlinger eventually took over the job simply because he fit better. Buechele should be a perfect addition to the SMU offense.

It doesn’t hurt that the skill position talent around him is stacked. Wide receiver James Proche is on the shortlist for best offensive players in Texas. Reggie Roberson is a perfect running mate, and there are more in line to step up. Running backs Ke’Mon Hall and Xavier Jones both struggled with injuries a year ago but should help solidify the running game after Braeden West’s departure.

SMU’s offensive line was inconsistent at best a year ago but should benefit from consistency. Four of five offensive linemen are back, and several are still very young. The team hopes that winning in the trenches can help set the tone and take the offense to the next level.

“The guys who roll in and win day one, it’s because you can win up front and make things easier on your quarterback and your receivers,” Dykes said. “We never really had anything to hang our hat on offensively. You’re not going to be a good offense if you can’t hang your hat on something.”