In a disappointing turn of events, the SMU Mustangs saw their opportunity to compete for an ACC championship slip away with a narrow 38-35 loss to California on Saturday. This upset occurred despite the Mustangs controlling their fate heading into the game, as they entered the contest ranked No. 21 with an 8-4 record.
Head coach Rhett Lashlee had made significant strides since taking over in 2022, focusing on improving the team”s performance in November. Prior to his arrival, SMU had not finished a season with a winning record in the final month for over a decade. Under Lashlee, the Mustangs had won 12 consecutive games in November until this setback. However, the critical message of finishing strong seemed to fade during their road trip to California.
“Extremely disappointed that we let a great opportunity slip,” Lashlee remarked after the game. “You can”t go on the road in conference play and dig a hole like we did.”
Entering the match, SMU needed a victory against a struggling California squad that had recently fired its head coach. Unfortunately, the Mustangs fell behind early, allowing the Golden Bears to establish a 10-point halftime lead and a 17-point advantage in the fourth quarter. Despite a late surge, which included scoring on four consecutive drives to briefly take the lead, SMU could not secure a win.
Late in the game, with just under two minutes left, a 2-yard touchdown run by Kendrick Raphael put California ahead for good. SMU”s final attempt to tie the game ended in disappointment as kicker Sam Keltner missed a 52-yard field goal attempt wide right as time expired.
Lashlee emphasized that while the team fought valiantly to the end, they ultimately could not overcome their early mistakes. “We finished. We didn”t win. There”s a big difference,” he stated. The Mustangs” struggle to maintain composure in crucial moments, compounded by penalties and defensive lapses, proved costly.
Despite the loss, SMU”s season is not over, as they will still participate in a bowl game. However, this postseason opportunity lacks the implications of a championship, and players may opt out for various reasons. Meanwhile, the Mustangs will watch as Duke and Virginia compete for the ACC title next weekend, a reminder of what might have been.
“There”s no consolation. We lost an opportunity to play and compete for a championship next week,” Lashlee concluded, underscoring the harsh reality of their missed chance.
