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2023 SMU Mustangs football team

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2023 SMU Mustangs football
AAC champion
ConferenceAmerican Athletic Conference
Ranking
CoachesNo. 24
APNo. 22
Record11–3 (8–0 The American)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorCasey Woods (2nd season)
Co-offensive coordinatorJonathan Brewer (1st season)
Co-offensive coordinatorRob Likens (1st season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Defensive coordinatorScott Symons (2nd season)
Base defenseMultiple 3–4
Home stadiumGerald J. Ford Stadium
Uniform
Seasons
← 2022
2024 →
2023 American Athletic Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
No. 22 SMU y$   8 – 0     11 – 3  
Tulane y   8 – 0     11 – 3  
UTSA   7 – 1     9 – 4  
Memphis   6 – 2     10 – 3  
South Florida   4 – 4     7 – 6  
Rice   4 – 4     6 – 7  
Navy   4 – 4     5 – 7  
North Texas   3 – 5     5 – 7  
UAB   3 – 5     4 – 8  
Florida Atlantic   3 – 5     4 – 8  
Charlotte   2 – 6     3 – 9  
Tulsa   2 – 6     4 – 8  
Temple   1 – 7     3 – 9  
East Carolina   1 – 7     2 – 10  
Championship: SMU 26, Tulane 14
  • $ – Conference champion
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2023 SMU Mustangs football team represented Southern Methodist University in the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Mustangs played their home games at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park, Texas, a separate city within the city limits of Dallas, and competed in the American Athletic Conference (The American). They were led by second-year head coach Rhett Lashlee.

For the first time since 2019, the Mustangs won six conference games. The Mustangs finished the regular season going 8–0 in conference play to qualify for the AAC Championship Game, for the Mustangs' first appearance in a conference championship game since the 2010 CUSA Championship Game. SMU defeated Tulane 26–14 in the title game for the program's first conference title since 1984 when the Mustangs won a share of the Southwest Conference title.[1] After defeating Tulane, SMU accepted a bid to compete in the 2023 Fenway Bowl against Boston College. In the final CFP rankings, SMU fell one spot behind undefeated C-USA champion Liberty University, narrowly missing the opportunity to play in the Fiesta Bowl against Oregon on New Year's Day.[2][3][4]

This was SMU's final season in the American before they moved to the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2024.[5]

Preseason

[edit]

Media poll

[edit]

The American Athletic Conference preseason poll was released on July 25. The Mustangs were predicted to finish third in the conference.[6]

Media poll
Predicted finish Team Votes (1st place)
1 Tulane 457 (20)
2 UTSA 440 (9)
3 SMU 397 (3)
4 Memphis 362 (1)
5 Florida Atlantic 312
6 East Carolina 303
7 North Texas 261
8 UAB 209 (1)
9 Navy 199
10 Temple 182
11 Tulsa 160
12 Rice 138
13 South Florida 86
14 Charlotte 64

Schedule

[edit]

SMU and the American Athletic Conference (AAC) announced the 2023 football schedule on February 21, 2023.[7] The Mustangs' regular season schedule consisted of six home games and six away games.

SMU played three of the six new conference members, hosting Charlotte and North Texas and traveled to Rice. Additionally, SMU hosted AAC foes Tulsa and Navy and traveled to East Carolina, Temple, and Memphis.

For non-conference play, SMU hosted Louisiana Tech from Conference USA and FCS Prairie View A&M from the Southwestern Athletic Conference and traveled to Oklahoma and TCU, both from the Big 12 Conference.

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 211:00 a.m.Louisiana Tech*
ESPNUW 38–1421,490
September 95:00 p.m.at No. 18 Oklahoma*
ESPN+L 11–2884,186
September 166:00 p.m.Prairie View A&M*
  • Gerald J. Ford Stadium
  • University Park, TX
ESPN+W 69–024,489
September 2311:00 a.m.at TCU*
FS1L 17–3451,243
September 306:30 p.m.Charlotte
  • Gerald J. Ford Stadium
  • University Park, TX
ESPNUW 34–1625,385
October 126:30 p.m.at East Carolina
ESPNW 31–1033,444
October 206:00 p.m.at Temple
ESPNW 55–011,232
October 2811:00 a.m.Tulsadagger
  • Gerald J. Ford Stadium
  • University Park, TX
ESPNUW 69–1020,800
November 46:30 p.m.at Rice
ESPNUW 36–3121,632
November 108:00 p.m.North Texas
ESPN2W 45–2122,043
November 1811:00 a.m.at Memphis
ESPN2W 38–3430,313
November 2511:00 a.m.Navy
ESPN2W 59–1421,490
December 24:00 p.m.at No. 22 Tulane
ABCW 26–1425,206
December 2810:00 a.m.vs. Boston College*No. 24
ESPNL 14–2316,238

Rankings

[edit]
Further information: 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings
Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
AP——————————RVRVRV251722
CoachesRVRV——————RVRVRVRV25241924
CFPNot released—————24Not released

Personnel

[edit]
2023 SMU Mustangs football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
RB 0 Camar Wheaton So
WR 1 Jordan Kerley Sr
QB 2 Preston Stone So
WR 3 Romello Brinson Jr
RB 4 Jaylan Knighton Sr
WR 5 Moochie Dixon Jr
QB 6 Keldric Luster Fr
QB 7 Kevin Jennings  Fr
WR 8 Jordan Hudson So
WR 9 Key'Shawn Smith Sr
WR 10 Jamarion Carroll Fr
RB 11 L. J. Johnson Jr. So
WR 12 Jake Bailey Sr
WR 13 Roderick Daniels Jr. Jr
TE 14 Nolan Matthews-Harris Jr
WR 15 Jaxson Lavender Fr
QB 16 Alex Padilla  Sr
WR 18 Teddy Knox So
QB 21 Clyde Pittman Fr
RB 24 Velton Gardner Sr
QB 25 William Fierro Fr
QB 26 Owen Easley Sr
RB 27 Zane Minors So
QB 28 Charlie Fiser  Fr
WR 30 Carter Campbell Jr
RB 31 Tyler Lavine Sr
WR 32 Joey Bruszer  Fr
WR 33 Meyer Pereira Fr
WR 34 Case Holleron Fr
WR 35 Henry Stickler Fr
WR 36 Cooper Reid Fr
QB 38 Maddox Fuller Fr
WR 39 Keaton Cheves  Fr
WR 42 Will Kuehne Sr
OL 44 Stone Eby So
TE 45 Ned Righellis Fr
TE 46 Markus Schumacher  Fr
WR 47 Nic Heck Sr
OL 50 Hyrin White Sr
OL 51 Justin Osborne Sr
OL 52 Marcus Bryant Sr
OL 53 Jakai Clark Sr
OL 56 Branson Hickman Jr
OL 59 P. J. Williams Fr
OL 60 Hunter Ryan  Fr
OL 61 Henry Douglas Fr
OL 64 Cameron Ervin Sr
OL 65 Jack Laphen Fr
OL 66 Max Yao Jr
OL 67 Sean Scott Fr
OL 68 Jackson Ritz Jr
OL 69 Jacob Waller  Fr
OL 70 Paxton Briggle Fr
OL 71 Logan Parr Jr
OL 72 Caleb Johnson So
OL 74 Nate Bennett  Fr
OL 75 Ben Sparks Jr
OL 76 Keaton Schultz So
OL 77 Alex Woods Fr
OL 78 Dalton Perdue Jr
OL 79 Reagan Gill Fr
TE 81 Lonnie Johnson Fr
TE 82 R. J. Maryland So
TE 83 Micah Hilts Sr
TE 84 Tripp Riordan Fr
TE 85 Adam Moore Fr
TE 86 David Hawkins Jr
TE 89 Kam Allen So
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
S 0 Bryan Massey Sr
S 1 Brandon Crossley Sr
S 2 Jonathan McGill  Sr
CB 3 Charles Woods  Sr
CB 4 Jahari Rogers Jr
DE 5 Elijah Roberts Sr
DL 6 Jordan Miller  Sr
CB 7 Bryce McMorris So
LB 8 JaQwondis Burns Jr
DE 9 Nelson Paul Sr
DE 10 David Abiara So
DE 11 Je'lin Samuels So
CB 12 Chris Megginson  Sr
CB 13 Jaelyn Davis-Robinson Fr
CB 14 A. J. Davis  Fr
DE 15 Cameron Robertson So
S 16 Ahmaad Moses So
S 20 Chris Adimora Sr
CB 21 Kyron Chambers So
S 22 Cale Sanders Jr. Jr
S 23 Isaiah Nwokobia So
LB 24 Kobe Wilson Jr
CB 25 Kevaris Hall Jr
CB 26 Keyshon Mills Fr
S 27 Abdul Muhammad Fr
LB 29 Brandon Miyazono Fr
S 30 Nate Monticure Jr
CB 31 Ford Parker Sr
DB 32 Brock Foster Fr
CB 33 Michael De Hoyos Fr
LB 34 Ahmad Walker Jr
S 35 Will Goldberg Jr
DE 36 Braeden Flowers Fr
DT 40 Elijah Chatman Sr
DT 41 Stephon Wright Jr
DE 45 Jayden Jones So
LB 46 I. V. Webb Fr
LB 52 Sean Kane Fr
LB 54 Alex Kilgore Fr
DE 58 Isaiah Smith So
DE 90 Alex Sickafoose Sr
DE 91 Dylan Hinshaw Fr
DT 92 Kori Roberson Jr.  Sr
DT 93 Kevin Allen Fr
DT 94 Braylen Jackson  Fr
DE 95 Matt Baer Fr
DT 96 DeVere Levelston Sr
DT 97 Dylan Frazier  Fr
DT 98 Mike Yoan Sandjo-Njiki Jr
DT 99 Daemian Wimberly Fr
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
K 41 Collin Rogers So
LS 48 Will Benton IV Sr
LS 49 Jovoni Borbon So
LS 53 Marcus Chan  Fr
P 91 Sam Eccles Fr
P 92 Ryan Bujcevski Sr
P 94 Michael Tadros  Fr
P 95 Johnny Schifano Jr


Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Casey Woods
    Offensive coordinator/Tight ends
  • Jonathan Brewer
    Co-offensive coordinator/Quarterbacks
  • Rob Likens
    Associate head coach/Co-offensive coordinator/Wide receivers
  • Scott Symons
    Defensive coordinator
  • Kyle Cooper
    Safeties/Special teams coordinator
  • Maurice Crum Jr.
    Linebackers/Run game coordinator
  • Khenon Hall
    Running backs/Run game coordinator
  • Rickley Hunley Jr.
    Cornerbacks/Pass game coordinator
  • Garin Justice
    Offensive line
  • Calvin Thibodeaux
    Defensive line
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured Injured
  • Redshirt Redshirt

Roster
Last update: September 15, 2023

Game summaries

[edit]

Louisiana Tech

[edit]
See also: 2023 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at SMU Mustangs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bulldogs 0 0 7714
Mustangs 14 17 0738

at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas

Game information
First quarter
  • SMU – Jordan Hudson 67-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 4:17. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 67 yards, 0:10.
  • SMU – Kori Roberson 16-yard interception return (Collin Rogers kick), 3:36. Mustangs 14–0.

Second quarter

  • SMU – Collin Rogers 34-yard field goal, 14:11. Mustangs 17–0. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 3:30.
  • SMU – Nolan Matthews-Harris 9-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 5:08. Mustangs 24–0. Drive: 11 plays, 98 yards, 5:21.
  • SMU – R. J. Maryland 25-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 0:02. Mustangs 31–0. Drive: 4 plays, 92 yards, 0:28.

Third quarter

  • LT – Koby Duru 53-yard pass from Hank Bachmeier (Jacob Barnes kick), 13:52. Mustangs 31–7. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:08.

Fourth quarter

  • SMU – L. J. Johnson Jr 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 2:32. Mustangs 38–7. Drive: 13 plays, 46 yards, 5:34.
  • LT – Keith Willis Jr. 2-yard run (Jacob Barnes kick), 0:26. Mustangs 38–14. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 2:06.
Statistics LT SMU
First downs 11 24
Total yards 269 457
Rushing yards 28 209
Passing yards 241 248
Turnovers 1 0
Time of possession 26:03 33:57
Team Category Player Statistics
Louisiana Tech Passing Hank Bachmeier 21/33, 241 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Charvis Thornton 8 rushes, 24 yards
Receiving Koby Duru 3 receptions, 55 yards, TD
SMU Passing Preston Stone 23/37, 248 yards, 3 TD
Rushing L. J. Johnson Jr. 14 rushes, 128 yards, TD
Receiving Jordan Hudson 2 receptions, 72 yards, TD

SMU opened the season by defeating Louisiana Tech 38–14. The previous day, SMU had announced that it would join the Atlantic Coast Conference starting in the 2024 season.[8]

At No. 18 Oklahoma

[edit]
See also: 2023 Oklahoma Sooners football team
SMU Mustangs at No. 18 Oklahoma Sooners – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Mustangs 3 0 0811
No. 18 Sooners 7 7 01428

at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma

  • Date: September 9
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 91 °F (33 °C)
  • Game attendance: 84,186
  • Referee: Michael VanderVelde
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Shawn Kenney, Ryan Leaf, and Tori Petry
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • OU – Andrel Anthony 29-yard pass from Dillon Gabriel (Zach Schmit kick), 10:39. Sooners 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 38 yards, 1:04.
  • SMU – Collin Rogers 27-yard field goal, 8:43. Sooners 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 1:56.

Second quarter

  • OU – Blake Smith 2-yard pass from Dillon Gabriel (Zach Schmit kick), 8:33. Sooners 14–3. Drive: 13 plays, 94 yards, 4:53.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

  • SMU – Stone Eby 2-yard pass from Preston Stone (Preston Stone pass to Jake Bailey), 12:09. Sooners 14–11. Drive: 16 plays, 81 yards, 6:56.
  • OU – Jalil Farooq 21-yard pass from Dillon Gabriel (Zach Schmit kick), 9:01. Sooners 21–11. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:08.
  • OU – Marcus Major 27-yard pass from Dillon Gabriel (Zach Schmit kick), 6:40. Sonners 28–11. Drive: 3 plays, 30 yards, 0:51.
Statistics SMU OU
First downs 21 22
Total yards 367 365
Rushing yards 117 189
Passing yards 250 176
Turnovers 2 0
Time of possession 32:20 27:40
Team Category Player Statistics
SMU Passing Preston Stone 26/45, 250 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Jaylan Knighton 15 rushes, 76 yards
Receiving Jake Bailey 7 receptions, 73 yards
Oklahoma Passing Dillon Gabriel 19/27, 176 yards, 4 TD
Rushing Tawee Walker 21 rushes, 117 yards
Receiving Andrel Anthony 7 receptions, 76 yards, TD

During the 2022 season, SMU signed a contract with the University of Oklahoma to play a two game series non-conference series, which would consist of one home game for each team in the 2023 and 2027 series.[9] The Sooners defeated SMU 28–11 in Norman.[10]

Prairie View A&M

[edit]
See also: 2023 Prairie View A&M Panthers football team
Prairie View A&M Panthers at SMU Mustangs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 0 0 000
Mustangs 14 28 21669

at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas

  • Date: September 16
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 80 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 24,489
  • Referee: Scott Hardin
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Ted Emrich and Stanford Routt
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • SMU – Jordan Hudson 15-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 11:17. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 2:25.
  • SMU – Chris Megginson 53-yard blocked field goal return (Collin Rogers kick), 3:13. Mustangs 14–0.

Second quarter

  • SMU – Roderick Daniels Jr. 91-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 14:40. Mustangs 21–0. Drive: 1 play, 91 yards, 0:12.
  • SMU – Preston Stone 5-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 8:23. Mustangs 28–0. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 3:16.
  • SMU – Romello Brinson 5-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 3:44. Mustangs 35–0. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 2:00.
  • SMU – Jordan Kerley 4-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 0:05. Mustangs 42–0. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:00.

Third quarter

  • SMU – Jordan Kerley 59-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 14:34. Mustangs 49–0. Drive: 2 plays, 59 yards, 0:16.
  • SMU – Key'Shawn Smith 27-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Collin Rogers kick), 11:02. Mustangs 56–0. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:00.
  • SMU – Joey Bruszer 23-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Collin Rogers kick), 5:46. Mustangs 63–0. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 3:33.

Fourth quarter

  • SMU – Camar Wheaton 3-yard run (kick blocked), 14:18. Mustangs 69–0. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 4:55.
Statistics PV SMU
First downs 10 28
Total yards 156 566
Rushing yards 94 177
Passing yards 62 389
Turnovers 0 1
Time of possession 34:14 25:46
Team Category Player Statistics
Prairie View A&M Passing Trazon Connley 6/14, 51 yards
Rushing Ronald Young Jr. 7 rushes, 32 yards
Receiving Khristopher Simmons 3 receptions, 25 yards
SMU Passing Preston Stone 15/20, 300 yards, 5 TD, INT
Rushing Camar Wheaton 16 rushes, 75 yards, TD
Receiving Roderick Daniels Jr. 3 receptions, 96 yards, TD

At TCU

[edit]
See also: 2023 TCU Horned Frogs football team
SMU Mustangs at TCU Horned Frogs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Mustangs 3 7 0717
Horned Frogs 7 7 13734

at Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas

Game information
First quarter
  • SMU – Collin Rogers 24-yard field goal, 8:43. Mustangs 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 69 yards, 6:17.
  • TCU – Jared Wiley 9-yard pass from Chandler Morris (Griffin Kell kick), 0:16. Horned Frogs 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 3:01.

Second quarter

  • TCU – Jared Wiley 2-yard pass from Chandler Morris (Griffin Kell kick), 6:58. Horned Frogs 14–3. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 4:07.
  • SMU – Camar Wheaton 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 2:54. Horned Frogs 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:04.

Third quarter

  • TCU – Griffin Kell 35-yard field goal, 11:05. Horned Frogs 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 3:55.
  • TCU – Griffin Kell 24-yard field goal, 6:14. Horned Frogs 20–10. Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 4:17.
  • TCU – Emani Bailey 24-yard run (Griffin Kell kick), 1:54. Horned Frogs 27–10. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 1:33.

Fourth quarter

  • SMU – Tyler Lavine 2-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 1:47. Horned Frogs 27–17. Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 4:48.
  • TCU – Chase Curtis 36-yard pass from Chandler Morris (Griffin Kell kick), 1:18. Horned Frogs 34–17. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 0:29.
Statistics SMU TCU
First downs 21 25
Total yards 416 457
Rushing yards 158 192
Passing yards 258 265
Turnovers 2 0
Time of possession 30:12 29:48
Team Category Player Statistics
SMU Passing Preston Stone 16/35, 258 yards, 2 INT
Rushing Camar Wheaton 16 rushes, 73 yards, TD
Receiving Jordan Kerley 1 reception, 51 yards
TCU Passing Chandler Morris 23/32, 261 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Emani Bailey 25 rushes, 126 yards, TD
Receiving Chase Curtis 2 receptions, 55 yards, TD

Prior to the start of the 2023 season, TCU announced it was indefinitely suspending the Battle for the Iron Skillet after the 2025 season. TCU defeated SMU 34–17.[11]

Charlotte

[edit]
See also: 2023 Charlotte 49ers football team
Charlotte 49ers at SMU Mustangs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 0 3 6716
Mustangs 14 3 10734

at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas

  • Date: September 30
  • Game time: 6:30 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 92 °F (33 °C)
  • Game attendance: 25,385
  • Referee: Kevin Randall
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): John Schriffen, Rocky Boiman, and Dawn Davenport
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • SMU – Roderick Daniels Jr. 12-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 11:41. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 82 yards, 3:15.
  • SMU – Jaylan Knighton 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 4:46. Mustangs 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 15 yards, 1:54.

Second quarter

  • CLT – Jake Larson 21-yard field goal, 8:20. Mustangs 14–3. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 5:48.
  • SMU – Collin Rogers 22-yard field goal, 3:53. Mustangs 17–3. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 3:46.

Third quarter

  • SMU – Jaylan Knighton 95-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 12:53. Mustangs 24–3. Drive: 1 play, 95 yards, 0:14.
  • SMU – Collin Rogers 33-yard field goal, 7:40. Mustangs 27–3. Drive: 10 plays, 26 yards, 3:34.
  • CLT – Jack Hestera 3-yard pass from Trexler Ivey (pass failed), 1:25. Mustangs 27–9. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:15.

Fourth quarter

  • CLT – Trexler Ivey 1-yard run (Jake Larson kick), 6:23. Mustangs 27–16. Drive: 14 plays, 74 yards, 6:29.
  • SMU – R. J. Maryland 23-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 4:18. Mustangs 34–16. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 2:04.
Statistics CLT SMU
First downs 23 19
Total yards 331 363
Rushing yards 167 228
Passing yards 164 135
Turnovers 1 1
Time of possession 35:25 24:35
Team Category Player Statistics
Charlotte Passing Trexler Ivey 10/17, 107 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Terron Kellman 9 rushes, 69 yards
Receiving Jack Hestera 7 receptions, 81 yards, TD
SMU Passing Preston Stone 14/23, 135 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Jaylan Knighton 11 rushes, 150 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Jake Bailey 3 receptions, 34 yards

SMU defeated Charlotte 34–16. Former President George W. Bush attended the game and participated in the coin toss.[12]

At East Carolina

[edit]
See also: 2023 East Carolina Pirates football team
SMU Mustangs at East Carolina Pirates – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Mustangs 14 0 01731
Pirates 0 10 0010

at Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, North Carolina

  • Date: October 12
  • Game time: 6:30 p.m. CDT/7:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 62 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 33,444
  • Referee: Luke Richmond
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Matt Barrie, Dan Mullen, and Harry Lyles Jr.
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • SMU – Keyshawn Smith 21-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 7:09. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 2:16.
  • SMU – Roderick Daniels Jr. 24-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 5:04. Mustangs 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:02.

Second quarter

  • ECU – Andrew Conrad 49-yard field goal, 13:40. Mustangs 14–3. Drive: 14 plays, 44 yards, 6:24.
  • ECU – Mason Garcia 6-yard run (Andrew Conrad kick), 2:47. Mustangs 14–10. Drive: 12 plays, 81 yards, 6:36.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

  • SMU – Collin Rogers 50-yard field goal, 13:18. Mustangs 17–10. Drive: 4 plays, -1 yards, 0:59.
  • SMU – Jonathan McGill 34-yard interception return (Collin Rogers kick), 7:22. Mustangs 24–10.
  • SMU – R. J. Maryland 43-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 2:29. Mustangs 31–10. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 3:44.
Statistics SMU ECU
First downs 14 15
Total yards 333 290
Rushing yards 57 97
Passing yards 276 193
Turnovers 0 2
Time of possession 25:40 34:20
Team Category Player Statistics
SMU Passing Preston Stone 19/38, 276 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Jaylan Knighton 11 rushes, 26 yards
Receiving Jordan Kerley 3 receptions, 69 yards
East Carolina Passing Mason Garcia 12/26, 155 yards
Rushing Mason Garcia 12 rushes, 38 yards, TD
Receiving Chase Sowell 7 receptions, 120 yards

At Temple

[edit]
See also: 2023 Temple Owls football team
SMU Mustangs at Temple Owls – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Mustangs 14 10 171455
Owls 0 0 000

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Date: October 20
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT/7:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 63 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 11,232
  • Referee: Tim Rich
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Anish Shroff, Andre Ware, and Paul Carcaterra
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • SMU – Jaylan Knighton 3-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 4:31. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 90 yards, 2:42.
  • SMU – Jordan Hudson 4-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 1:32. Mustangs 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 1:52.

Second quarter

  • SMU – R. J. Maryland 2-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 11:43. Mustangs 21–0. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 3:34.
  • SMU – Collin Rogers 25-yard field goal, 0:02. Mustangs 24–0. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 1:38.

Third quarter

  • SMU – Roderick Daniels Jr. 67-yard punt return (Collin Rogers kick), 11:43. Mustangs 31–0.
  • SMU – Preston Stone 21-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 10:00. Mustangs 38–0. Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 1:56.
  • SMU – Collin Rogers 47-yard field goal, 1:17. Mustangs 41–0. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 4:25.

Fourth quarter

  • SMU – Jordan Hudson 7-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Collin Rogers kick), 10:52. Mustangs 48–0. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 3:56.
  • SMU – Kevin Jennings 5-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 7:35. Mustangs 55–0. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 2:24.
Statistics SMU TEM
First downs 36 12
Total yards 563 131
Rushing yards 205 24
Passing yards 358 107
Turnovers 1 1
Time of possession 35:02 24:58
Team Category Player Statistics
SMU Passing Preston Stone 23/36, 300 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Jaylan Knighton 15 rushes, 64 yards, TD
Receiving Romello Brinson 5 receptions, 87 yards
Temple Passing Forrest Brock 7/15, 60 yards, INT
Rushing Joquez Smith 4 rushes, 19 yards
Receiving Zae Baines 2 receptions, 27 yards

Tulsa

[edit]
See also: 2023 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team
Tulsa Golden Hurricane at SMU Mustangs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Golden Hurricane 3 0 0710
Mustangs 28 24 14369

at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas

  • Date: October 28
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m. CST
  • Game weather: Rain, 60 °F (16 °C)
  • Game attendance: 20,800
  • Referee: Kevin Randall
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): John Schriffen, Rocky Boiman, and Dawn Davenport
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • SMU – Romello Brinson 74-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 14:10. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:45.
  • SMU – Tyler Lavine 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 9:34. Mustangs 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 1:51.
  • TLSA – Chase Meyer 35-yard field goal, 4:44. Mustangs 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 4:50.
  • SMU – Jaylan Knighton 11-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 1:46. Mustangs 21–3. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 2:52.
  • SMU – Isaiah Nwokobia 25-yard interception return (Collin Rogers kick), 0:26. Mustangs 28–3.

Second quarter

  • SMU – Collin Rogers 42-yard field goal, 12:07. Mustangs 31–3. Drive: 7 plays, 56 yards, 1:30.
  • SMU – RJ Maryland 62-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 11:35. Mustangs 38–3. Drive: 1 play, 62 yards, 0:10.
  • SMU – Camar Wheaton 4-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 7:34. Mustangs 45–3. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:07.
  • SMU – Moochie Dixon 17-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 4:37. Mustangs 52–3. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 1:41.

Third quarter

  • SMU – Velton Gardner 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 8:21. Mustangs 59–3. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 5:49.
  • SMU – Camar Wheaton 48-yard field goal, 3:50. Mustangs 66–3. Drive: 4 plays, 66 yards, 2:03.

Fourth quarter

  • TLSA – Kamdyn Benjamin 5-yard pass from Cardell Williams (Chase Meyer kick), 9:59. Mustangs 66–10. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 4:52.
  • SMU – Collin Rogers 22-yard field goal, 2:24. Mustangs 69–10. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 5:07.
Statistics TLSA SMU
First downs 14 26
Total yards 247 638
Rushing yards 123 192
Passing yards 124 446
Turnovers 2 0
Time of possession 30:13 29:47
Team Category Player Statistics
Tulsa Passing Braylon Braxton 10/20, 92 yards, 2 INT
Rushing Anthony Watkins 15 rushes, 50 yards
Receiving Devan Williams 3 receptions, 57 yards
SMU Passing Preston Stone 15/20, 371 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Camar Wheaton 9 rushes, 80 yards, 2 TD
Receiving RJ Maryland 2 receptions, 95 yards, TD

SMU defeated Tulsa 69–10, attaining bowl eligibility. They scored over 50 points in the first half, doing so for the first time since their 77–63 victory over Houston the previous season.[13]

At Rice

[edit]
See also: 2023 Rice Owls football team
SMU Mustangs at Rice Owls – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Mustangs 14 10 9336
Owls 7 14 7331

at Rice Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information
First quarter
  • RICE – Chike Anigbogu 15-yard punt return (Tim Horn kick), 8:56. Owls 7–0.
  • SMU – Roderick Daniels Jr. 34-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 6:22. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:34.
  • SMU – Preston Stone 20-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 5:48. Mustangs 14–7. Drive: 2 plays, 33 yards, 0:29.

Second quarter

  • RICE – Luke McCaffrey 4-yard pass from JT Daniels (Tim Horn kick), 11:07. Tied 14–14. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 4:24.
  • SMU – Collin Rogers 41-yard field goal, 6:59. Mustangs 17–14. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 4:08.
  • SMU – Jordan Hudson 30-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 2:09. Mustangs 24–14. Drive: 7 plays, 89 yards, 2:16.
  • RICE – Dean Connors 14-yard pass from JT Daniels (Tim Horn kick), 0:18. Mustangs 24–21. Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 1:41.

Third quarter

  • SMU – Tyler Lavine 3-yard run (pass failed), 9:32. Mustangs 30–21. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:20.
  • SMU – Collin Rogers 37-yard field goal, 3:05. Mustangs 33–21. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 3:32.
  • RICE – Dean Connors 1-yard run (Tim Horn kick), 0:23. Mustangs 33–28. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:42.

Fourth quarter

  • RICE – Tim Horn 32-yard field goal, 7:44. Mustangs 33–31. Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 4:14.
  • SMU – Collin Rogers 51-yard field goal, 2:49. Mustangs 36–31. Drive: 12 plays, 41 yards, 4:55.
Statistics SMU RICE
First downs 28 13
Total yards 477 290
Rushing yards 223 124
Passing yards 254 166
Turnovers 1 3
Time of possession 31:31 28:29
Team Category Player Statistics
SMU Passing Preston Stone 15/28, 217 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Preston Stone 8 rushes, 81 yards, TD
Receiving Jake Bailey 4 receptions, 73 yards
Rice Passing Chase Jenkins 10/16, 85 yards, INT
Rushing Dean Connors 7 rushes, 77 yards, TD
Receiving Rawson MacNeill 2 receptions, 68 yards

SMU defeated Rice 36–31, winning the Mayor's Cup. SMU quarterback Preston Stone and Rice quarterback JT Daniels both suffered from concussions during the game. Stone's concussion put his start against UNT the next week into question, while Daniels did not play again for the rest of the season, announcing his retirement after its conclusion.[14][15]

North Texas

[edit]
See also: 2023 North Texas Mean Green football team
North Texas Mean Green at SMU Mustangs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Mean Green 7 7 0721
Mustangs 14 3 141445

at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas

  • Date: November 10
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 57 °F (14 °C)
  • Game attendance: 22,043
  • Referee: Nate Black
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Anish Shroff, Andre Ware, and Paul Carcaterra
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • SMU – Moochie Dixon 8-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 11:39. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 2:05.
  • UNT – Trey Cleveland 19-yard pass from Chandler Rogers (Noah Rauschenberg kick), 4:47. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:50.
  • SMU – RJ Maryland 24-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 0:34. Mustangs 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:13.

Second quarter

  • SMU – Collin Rogers 20-yard field goal, 10:29. Mustangs 17–7. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 3:42.
  • UNT – Oscar Adaway III 7-yard run (Noah Rauschenberg kick), 7:07. Mustangs 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:22.

Third quarter

  • SMU – Tyler Lavine 5-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 11:08. Mustangs 24–14. Drive: 3 plays, 17 yards, 0:51.
  • SMU – Jaylan Knighton 20-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 2:15. Mustangs 31–14. Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 1:29.

Fourth quarter

  • SMU – Camar Wheaton 22-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 12:44. Mustangs 38–14. Drive: 3 plays, 77 yards, 1:02.
  • SMU – LJ Johnson Jr. 3-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 4:00. Mustangs 45–14. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 6:38.
  • UNT – Blair Conwright 29-yard pass from Chandler Rogers (Noah Rauschenberg kick), 1:27. Mustangs 45–21. Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 2:28.
Statistics UNT SMU
First downs 18 28
Total yards 372 552
Rushing yards 132 318
Passing yards 240 234
Turnovers 2 1
Time of possession 26:34 33:26
Team Category Player Statistics
North Texas Passing Chandler Rogers 18/31, 240 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Oscar Adaway III 11 rushes, 90 yards, TD
Receiving Trey Cleveland 3 receptions, 72 yards, TD
SMU Passing Preston Stone 11/20, 234 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Jaylan Knighton 17 rushes, 129 yards, TD
Receiving Moochie Dixon 3 receptions, 99 yards, TD

Quarterback Stone cleared concussion protocol prior to the game against UNT,[16] allowing him to lead the team to a 45–21 victory in the Safeway Bowl.[17]

At Memphis

[edit]
See also: 2023 Memphis Tigers football team
SMU Mustangs at Memphis Tigers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Mustangs 7 7 141038
Tigers 10 3 81334

at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee

  • Date: November 18
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m. CST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 55 °F (13 °C)
  • Game attendance: 30,313
  • Referee: Luke Richmond
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Beth Mowins, Kirk Morrison, and Stormy Buonantony
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • SMU – R. J. Maryland 43-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 12:16. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 1:24.
  • MEM – Tanner Gillis 47-yard field goal, 7:25. Mustangs 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 46 yards, 4:51.
  • MEM – Demeer Blankumsee 27-yard pass from Seth Henigan (Tanner Gillis kick), 0:56. Memphis 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:19.

Second quarter

  • SMU – Preston Stone 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 6:07. Mustangs 14–10. Drive: 13 plays, 70 yards, 6:04.
  • MEM – Tanner Gillis 36-yard field goal, 0:46. Mustangs 14–13. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 5:15.

Third quarter

  • SMU – L. J. Johnson Jr. 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 9:35. Mustangs 21–13. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 5:21.
  • MEM – Brandon Thomas 1-yard run (Seth Henigan pass to Anthony Landphere), 4:27. Tied 21–21. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:08.
  • SMU – Jaylan Knighton 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 3:17. Mustangs 28–21. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:10.

Fourth quarter

  • MEM – Blake Watson 11-yard run (Tanner Gillis kick), 14:55. Tied 28–28. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:22.
  • SMU – Collin Rogers 32-yard field goal, 12:25. Mustangs 31–28. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:30.
  • SMU – Jordan Hudson 7-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 2:41. Mustangs 38–28. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 4:53.
  • MEM – Demeer Blankumsee 20-yard pass from Seth Henigan (kick failed), 0:53. Mustangs 38–34. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 1:44.
Statistics SMU MEM
First downs 23 24
Total yards 444 464
Rushing yards 158 62
Passing yards 286 402
Turnovers 0 1
Time of possession 28:10 31:50
Team Category Player Statistics
SMU Passing Preston Stone 15/23, 286 yards, 2 TD
Rushing L. J. Johnson Jr. 21 rushes, 115 yards, TD
Receiving Keyshawn Smith 3 receptions, 63 yards
Memphis Passing Seth Henigan 35/51, 402 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Blake Watson 10 rushes, 41 yards, TD
Receiving Roc Taylor 8 receptions, 146 yards

Both SMU and Memphis were undefeated in conference play prior to the game, meaning the loser would likely be eliminated from contention to play in the conference championship.[18] SMU defeated Memphis 38–34.

[edit]
See also: 2023 Navy Midshipmen football team
Navy Midshipmen at SMU Mustangs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Midshipmen 7 7 0014
Mustangs 28 24 7059

at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas

  • Date: November 25
  • Game time: 11:00 a.m. CST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 55 °F (13 °C)
  • Game attendance: 21,490
  • Referee: Tim Rich
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Roy Philpott, Roddy Jones, and Taylor McGregor
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • SMU – Tyler Lavine 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 13:09. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 67 yards, 1:45.
  • SMU – Moochie Dixon 15-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 8:57. Mustangs 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 1:59.
  • SMU – Jordan Hudson 27-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 5:26. Mustangs 21–0. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 2:08.
  • SMU – Moochie Dixon 26-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 1:57. Mustangs 28–0. Drive: 4 plays, 67 yards, 1:51.
  • NAVY – Daba Fofana 1-yard run (Nathan Kirkwood kick), 0:56. Mustangs 28–7. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:04.

Second quarter

  • SMU – Willie Benton IV 0-yard fumble return (Collin Rogers kick), 11:42. Mustangs 35–7.
  • SMU – Tyler Lavine 8-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 9:32. Mustangs 42–7. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 2:41.
  • SMU – Tyler Lavine 19-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 4:59. Mustangs 49–7. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 2:53.
  • NAVY – Braxton Woodson 69-yard run (Nathan Kirkwood kick), 4:10. Mustangs 49–14. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:49.
  • SMU – Collin Rogers 30-yard field goal, 0:41. Mustangs 52–14. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 3:29.

Third quarter

  • SMU – Isaiah Nwokobia 74-yard interception return (Collin Rogers kick), 9:31. Mustangs 59–14.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays
Statistics NAVY SMU
First downs 14 21
Total yards 253 487
Rushing yards 182 118
Passing yards 71 369
Turnovers 2 1
Time of possession 32:04 27:56
Team Category Player Statistics
Navy Passing Braxton Woodson 9/18, 71 yards, INT
Rushing Braxton Woodson 18 rushes, 104 yards, TD
Receiving Alex Tecza 3 receptions, 34 yards
SMU Passing Preston Stone 14/19, 322 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Tyler Lavine 7 rushes, 49 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Moochie Dixon 4 receptions, 125 yards, 2 TD

SMU defeated Navy 59–14 to win the Gansz Trophy and guarantee a spot in the conference championship game. SMU scored over 50 points in the first half, and quarterback Preston Stone threw for the most yards in the first quarter of an FBS game since 2019, but he suffered a broken leg late in the first half, leaving him unable to play for the rest of the season.[19][20]

At No. 22 Tulane (AAC Championship Game)

[edit]
See also: 2023 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game and 2023 Tulane Green Wave football team
SMU Mustangs at No. 22 Tulane Green Wave (AAC Championship Game) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Mustangs 7 7 3926
No. 22 Green Wave 7 0 7014

at Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: December 2
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Rain, 72 °F (22 °C)
  • Game attendance: 25,206
  • Referee: Luke Richmond
  • TV announcers (ABC): Roy Philpott, Roddy Jones, and Taylor McGregor
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • TULN – Michael Pratt 1-yard run (Valentino Ambrosio kick), 14:50. Green Wave 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:03.
  • SMU – Jaylan Knighton 6-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 7:37. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 1:37.

Second quarter

  • SMU – Key'Shawn Smith 17-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Collin Rogers kick), 1:32. Mustangs 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:18.

Third quarter

  • TULN – Yulkieth Brown 42-yard pass from Michael Pratt (Valentino Ambrosio kick), 8:46. Tied 14–14. Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 2:34.
  • SMU – Collin Rogers 48-yard field goal, 5:35. Mustangs 17–14. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:11.

Fourth quarter

  • SMU – Collin Rogers 32-yard field goal, 12:38. Mustangs 20–14. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 5:52.
  • SMU – Collin Rogers 32-yard field goal, 8:58. Mustangs 23–14. Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 1:47.
  • SMU – Collin Rogers 45-yard field goal, 3:15. Mustangs 26–14. Drive: 6 plays, 9 yards, 1:13.
Statistics SMU TULN
First downs 21 12
Total yards 396 269
Rushing yards 193 31
Passing yards 203 238
Turnovers 3 1
Time of possession 34:07 25:53
Team Category Player Statistics
SMU Passing Kevin Jennings 19/33, 203 yards, TD, 2 INT
Rushing Jaylan Knighton 15 rushes, 75 yards, TD
Receiving R. J. Maryland 5 receptions, 56 yards
Tulane Passing Michael Pratt 21/36, 238 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Makhi Hughes 11 rushes, 44 yards
Receiving Yulkieth Brown 5 receptions, 90 yards, TD

Backup quarterback Kevin Jennings made his first career start against Tulane in the championship game. On the first play of the game, Jennings fumbled the ball, allowing Tulane to return it to the 1-yard line and score immediately afterwards. Despite this and two interceptions, SMU led Tulane 14–7 at the end of the first half thanks to its strong defense, which forced Tulane to punt the ball nine times over the course of the game. In the second half, Jennings continued to lead SMU down the field, allowing kicker Collin Rogers to score four field goals. Near the end of the fourth quarter, safety Isaiah Nwokobia intercepted the ball to seal SMU's 26–14 victory over Tulane, winning SMU its first conference championship since 1984.[21][22] After the game, Nwokobia was awarded the Most Outstanding Player award, becoming the first defensive player to win such an award in an AAC title game.[23]

Vs. Boston College (Fenway Bowl)

[edit]
See also: 2023 Fenway Bowl and 2023 Boston College Eagles football team
No. 24 SMU Mustangs vs. Boston College Eagles (Fenway Bowl) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 24 Mustangs 0 14 0014
Eagles 3 7 01323

at Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts

  • Date: December 28
  • Game time: 10:00 a.m. CST/11:00 a.m. EST a.m.
  • Game weather: Rain, 45 °F (7 °C)
  • Game attendance: 16,238
  • Referee: Kevin Mar
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Chris Cotter, Mark Herzlich, and Sherree Burruss
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • BC – Liam Connor 45-yard field goal, 6:21. Eagles 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 25 yards, 3:42.

Second quarter

  • SMU – L. J. Johnson Jr. 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 9:14. Mustangs 7–3. Drive: 15 plays, 78 yards, 6:32.
  • BC – Kye Robichaux 6-yard run (Liam Connor kick), 3:07. Eagles 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 6:07.
  • SMU – Jaylan Knighton 6-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Collin Rogers kick), 0:08. Mustangs 14–10. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 2:59.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

  • BC – Thomas Castellanos 15-yard run (Liam Connor kick), 12:22. Eagles 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 3:59.
  • BC – Thomas Castellanos 14-yard run (kick failed), 9:48. Eagles 23–14. Drive: 3 plays, 42 yards, 1:19.
Statistics SMU BC
First downs 22 20
Total yards 309 364
Rushing yards 118 262
Passing yards 191 102
Turnovers 1 1
Time of possession 29:00 31:00
Team Category Player Statistics
SMU Passing Kevin Jennings 24/48, 191 yards, TD
Rushing Kevin Jennings 10 rushes, 51 yards
Receiving Jake Bailey 6 receptions, 54 yards
Boston College Passing Thomas Castellanos 11/18, 102 yards, INT
Rushing Thomas Castellanos 21 rushes, 156 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Jaeden Skeete 2 receptions, 40 yards

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Stevenson, Stefan (December 2, 2023). "SMU asserts dominance over Tulane, secures first conference championship win in 39 years". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
  2. ^ "SMU snubbed from New Year's Six matchup, will head to Fenway Bowl instead". Dallas News. December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  3. ^ "AAC Commissioner objects to SMU's exclusion from New Year's Day bowls". wfaa.com. December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  4. ^ Hodges, Andy (December 3, 2023). "Committee Wrong Again: SMU on Receiving End This Time". Sports Illustrated Inside the Mustangs News, Analysis and More. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  5. ^ Dodd, Dennis (September 1, 2023). "Stanford, Cal, SMU join ACC: Conference membership growing to 18 schools as latest realignment domino falls". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  6. ^ "Tulane is the Favorite in 2023 American Preseason Media Poll". American Athletic Conference. July 25, 2023. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  7. ^ "2023 SMU Football Schedule". FBSchedules. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  8. ^ Stevenson, Stefan (September 2, 2023). "SMU opens Preston Stone era with convincing win over Louisiana Tech a day after ACC invite". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  9. ^ Hoyt, Joseph (September 14, 2022). "SMU, Oklahoma announce football home-and-home series". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  10. ^ Stevenson, Stefan (September 10, 2023). "SMU gives Sooners a scare before Oklahoma pulls away in fourth quarter". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  11. ^ Livengood, Paul (September 23, 2023). "TCU QB Chandler Morris slings 3 TDs in 'Iron Skillet' win over SMU Mustangs". wfaa.com. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  12. ^ "Photos: George W. and Laura Bush take part in coin toss before SMU's AAC opener vs. Charlotte". Dallas News. October 1, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  13. ^ McKenna, Greg (October 28, 2023). "SMU blows away Golden Hurricane to become bowl eligible for fifth straight season". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  14. ^ Stevenson, Stefan (November 9, 2023). "If Preston Stone can't start vs. UNT, SMU's confident in South Oak Cliff QB Kevin Jennings". Dallas News. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  15. ^ Thamel, Pete (December 1, 2023). "Rice QB Daniels, citing concussion issues, retires". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  16. ^ "SMU quarterback Preston Stone clears concussion protocol, will start vs. North Texas". Dallas News. November 11, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  17. ^ "SMU 45-21 North Texas (Nov 10, 2023) Game Recap". ESPN. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  18. ^ Stevenson, Stefan (November 17, 2023). "SMU prediction: Mustangs' road to AAC championship runs through Memphis". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  19. ^ Stevenson, Stefan (November 25, 2023). "SMU QB Preston Stone exits vs. Navy after suffering leg injury". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  20. ^ Stevenson, Stefan (November 28, 2023). "SMU QB Preston Stone out for rest of season with broken left leg". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  21. ^ Martel, Brett (December 3, 2023). "Jennings, dominant defense carry No. 25 SMU to AAC title, 26-14 over Tulane". AP News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  22. ^ Londergan, Joe (December 3, 2023). "SMU Upset Tulane In AAC Championship Game". Sports Illustrated G5 Football Daily News, Analysis and More. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  23. ^ Stevenson, Stefan (December 3, 2023). "SMU asserts dominance over Tulane, secures first conference championship win in 39 years". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
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