The SMU Mustangs delivered a commanding performance against Boston College on Saturday, securing a 45-13 victory at Alumni Stadium. Redshirt junior quarterback Kevin Jennings was instrumental in the win, throwing for 326 yards and three touchdowns, which propelled the Mustangs to a 7-3 overall record and 5-1 in the ACC standings.
This win keeps SMU”s hopes alive in the conference race as the regular season heads into its final weeks. Jennings, who has been recognized on several award watch lists this season, led his team to a season-high 574 total yards, including 353 yards through the air. He became the first player in SMU history to achieve consecutive games with over 300 passing yards, connecting with seven different receivers throughout the game.
Receiver Yamir Knight shone brightly, achieving a career-high 162 receiving yards along with a touchdown, while Jordan Hudson contributed with 104 yards and another score. This marked the first instance since 2022 in which two SMU receivers surpassed the 100-yard receiving mark in a single game.
On the ground, T.J. Harden rushed for a season-best 130 yards, and running back Derrick McFall scored three touchdowns, highlighted by a standout 48-yard run in the fourth quarter. The Mustangs amassed a total of 222 rushing yards, marking the third time this season that a player has recorded three rushing touchdowns in a game.
Defensively, the Mustangs were relentless, with Isaiah Smith tying the single-game sack record for SMU with four sacks, contributing to the team”s total of eight sacks on the day. Smith also recorded nine tackles and four tackles for loss, showcasing a dominating performance that limited Boston College to just 13 points and a 4-for-7 success rate on fourth-down attempts.
SMU forced four turnovers during the game, including two fumbles and two interceptions, bringing their season total to 26 takeaways, which leads the NCAA. Since joining the ACC last season, the Mustangs have posted an impressive 13-1 record in conference play and hold a 36-15 overall record under head coach Rhett Lashlee. They have also been exceptional in their recent outings, boasting a 26-4 record in their last 29 regular-season games, including a remarkable 13-1 in November and 14-3 in their last 16 games played on the road.
Looking ahead, SMU will face No. 15 Louisville on November 22 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. Details regarding the time and broadcast information for the game will be announced later this week.
