How SMU Became the Best ACC Newcomer

© Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

The 2024 season has been a revelation for the 20th-ranked SMU Mustangs (7-1, 4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), one of the three newcomers to the ACC. Compared to Stanford (2-6, 0-4) and Cal (4-4, 0-4), the Mustangs have not only survived but thrived, becoming the most impressive newcomer in the conference.

They picked up right where they left off last season, when they finished 11-2 (8-0) to win the American Athletic Conference, their first conference title since the “Pony Express” era of 1984. Before their program was crippled for decades by the death penalty.

Since joining the ACC, they have remained at a top level, rejoining the Associated Press Top 25 after a brief stint outside of it the first month of the 2024 season.

Key Players, Standout Performances

Several players have been instrumental in SMU's success this season. Head Coach Rhett Lashlee’s offensive-minded approach has put his team in a good position to put points on the board. Earlier in the season, they put up 66 points against historic rival TCU (5-3, 3-2 Big 12 Conference).

Quarterback Kevin Jennings, who started the season on the bench but was given the starting job following a loss to No. 9 BYU (8-0, 5-0 Big 12), has been exceptional, showing his ability to extend plays with his legs and make accurate throws under pressure. His 1,594 passing yards and 321 rushing yards (good for 4.8 yards per carry) are a testament to his talent and poise. Most recently, Jennings suffered a lower body injury in the Oct. 26 matchup against Duke (6-2, 2-2), but returned and helped his team to a 28-27 overtime win. It was far from his best performance (1 touchdown pass, 3 interceptions, 13-of-24 passing), but he showed resolve in leading his team to a gutsy victory.

The nation is taking note of Jennings, who was recently nominated for the Davey O' Brien Award.

Running back Brashard Smith has also been a standout, consistently providing the Mustangs with a reliable ground game. Smith's ability to break tackles and find the end zone has added another dimension to SMU's offense. He has 9 touchdowns on the season, and is third in the ACC with 745 rushing yards.

On the defensive side, the Mustangs have no shortage of players who can force turnovers. Safety Ahmaad Moses is tied for second in the ACC with 3 interceptions on the season, and safety Kobe Wilson and linebacker Isaiah Nwokobia each have 2.

The defensive unit as a whole has been opportunistic, forcing turnovers at critical moments. Their performance against TCU, where they forced 5 turnovers, exemplified their resilience and ability to make big plays.

Adapting to the ACC

Several factors have contributed to SMU's success this season. The team's high-octane offense, which is second in the ACC with 313 points scored, has been a major factor. The Transfer Portal has also played a significant role, with key players returning and new talent being added to the roster.

The coaching staff, led by Lashlee, has done an excellent job of instilling a winning culture and maximizing the potential of their players. The team's confidence and winning mentality have been crucial in their transition to the ACC.

Hope for Continued Success

On Nov. 2, the Mustangs face their toughest test yet, with a top-20 matchup against the 18th-ranked Pitt Panthers (7-0, 3-0). The nation will wait and see what SMU’s offense can do against Pitt’s stingy defense. The offensive line will certainly have their hands full with Pitt’s front seven, which has combined for 22 sacks this season.

SMU's rise from the depths of the post-death penalty era to their current success in the ACC is a story of resilience, strategic planning and sheer determination. With standout performances from key players, notable victories and a winning culture, the Mustangs have become the most impressive of the three ACC newcomers. Their journey serves as an inspiration to other programs and a reminder that with the right approach, anything is possible.