DALLAS – The scene at SMU’s open scrimmage last week was one of organized chaos, in the way only a family reunion could be. And perhaps that’s the best way to describe the Friday evening event, which brought in over 100 recruits and former players to take in a spring practice.

Children ran around on the sidelines, hugs were doled out generously and the Mustangs took the night to celebrate the Mustangs.

If you were to travel about 900 miles to the east, and north a bit, during the spring, you’d likely see a similar scene at Clemson. The Tigers would have a national championship trophy and sparkling facilities on display, sure, but the culture is purposely mirrored.

Chad Morris came to SMU two and a half years ago with the intention of transforming a program that had long been dormant. In order to do so, he’s attempted to make SMU the Clemson of Texas.

That national title the Tigers won a few months ago? That should make members of the SMU family smile.

“The Pony on our chest has a Clemson Tiger paw on it,” Morris told 247Sports. “The blueprint for success is proven.”

Morris served as Clemson’s offensive coordinator from 2011 to 2014. When he returned home to Texas in 2015 – he won state championships as a high school coach in the Lone Star State – he took much of Clemson with him.

Three Mustang assistant coaches worked under Dabo Swinney at one point or another. Offensive coordinator Joe Craddock and offensive line coach Dustin Fry were GAs for Clemson from 2012-14, while wide receivers coach Justin Stepp served as a graduate assistant from 2009-11.

Morris also brought with him the power spread attack he orchestrated at Clemson, a similar practice structure and, most importantly if you ask him, the singular vibe Swinney managed to cultivate.

Clemson is a national champion, AND they had fun getting there.

“That’s one thing Coach Swinney always said, ‘You can’t fabricate family,'” Craddock said. “Coach Morris is doing a lot of the same things building this program up.”

That construction is coming along slowly.

Morris inherited a one-win program, and the Mustangs have bumped that victory total from two to five in his initial campaigns. If SMU was building a house, a metaphor Morris is fond of, the foundation is almost set but a few walls and a roof remain in a state of assembly.

There are signs of progress, however. SMU upset No. 11 Houston a year ago, played TCU close for a half and pushed a quality South Florida team to the brink. Looking toward 2017, a bowl seems likely for the Mustangs.

As Morris would point out, the Tigers weren’t exactly champions a few years ago, either. Morris arrived at Clemson following a 6-7 second-year campaign under Swinney. The offense – not to mention Tajh Boyd and Deshaun Watson – certainly had something to do with the 70-13 run the Tigers reeled off in response to that 6-7 season over the last six seasons, but Morris also points to culture.

It took Swinney three years to establish the environment he wanted, and another five years for the Tigers to elevate themselves to the mountaintop. SMU certainly isn’t where the Tigers were, even following that 6-7 Clemson campaign, but Morris sees the similarities.

“It’s like watching that Chinese Bamboo,” Morris said. “You water, water, water and don’t see a ton of progress and then all of a sudden it takes off. That’s what I’m excited to see.”

As both Morris and Craddock say, why can’t SMU take off like Clemson?

The Mustangs and Tigers were programs of similar stature in the early 1980s. SMU never won a national title like Clemson did in 1981, but double-digit win seasons and high-profile bowls were common. While the death penalty sent the programs in different directions, it’s been proven a team can be successful in Dallas. Just like a mid-sized public school in South Carolina can win championships.

“It’s our job to get that program back and get it going,” Morris said. “And we’re doing that. We’re going to win. We’re going to get this thing going. We’re going to make this a brand and change the culture, and that’s what we’re doing every day.”

Morris admits the Mustangs are “a long way” from finding the type of success the Tigers have. But, at least in regards to culture, SMU is built for the long haul like Clemson.

Little boys and girls scampered around the field while players danced – the Clemsonization of SMU is well underway.