SMU coach Phil Bennett was as forthcoming as he's ever been during his six-year tenure while addressing questions Friday at the Mustangs' annual Media Day at Ford Stadium.

Bennett has given repeated answers to the plethora of similar questions he's been asked in the past year about the program's shortcomings and player issues, as well as the hundred-or-so varieties of queries regarding SMU's direction.

Friday, he offered more of the pat answers, but added some spice on top on some. Consider:

"Winning is expected," said Bennett, who has a 17-41 record as head coach. "We expect 'W's', and that's all we'll accept. No more moral victories. It's time to validate this program and what we've done here.

"People forget that in 2005 we were one bad call at Marshall away from being a bowl team. Last year we didn't convert two first-and-goal opportunities at Rice, and if we score once the game's over and we're in a bowl. We've been on the cusp for two years. If we keep improving, it will happen."