Mustangs Answer Challenge: Defense Shines in ACC Win

© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

DALLAS—The 14th-ranked SMU Mustangs (9-1, 6-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) hosted the Boston College Eagles (5-5, 2-4) in a clash of conference foes as both enter the final stretch of the season with eyes on the postseason on Nov. 16. This was only the third meeting between the schools, and it is a unique rematch of the Fenway Bowl last season, which Boston College won 23-14. With interesting storylines for both teams, it was the Mustangs who continued their march to the ACC Championship and answered the challenge with a 38-28 win.

What Happened in the Game?

The game started with a missed field goal and a punt on each team's opening drives. The Mustangs and quarterback Kevin Jennings opened the scoring with a 57-yard drive that ended in a touchdown reception by receiver Roderick Daniels Jr. on a 15-yard pass from Jennings. After a defensive stand, the Mustangs offense added a 35-yard field goal by Collin Rogers to extend the lead to 10-0 after the first quarter. Boston College scored on a 75-yard drive that was highlighted by a 2-yard score from running back Kye Robichaux to make the score 10-7. Running back Brashard Smith would answer with a 4-yard touchdown run to highlight a 92-yard drive for the Mustangs and make the score 17-7. The Eagles drove 75 yards on the next drive to bring the game to within three points. The drive was highlighted by a 13-yard reception by tight end Kamari Morales. After interceptions by both Jennings and Eagles quarterback Grayson James gave the Mustangs the final possession of the half where Rogers made the score 20-14 to end the half.

The second half saw the Eagles and James take the opening drive 83 yards and find the end zone. The drive was highlighted by James calling his own number and reaching the end zone on a 20-yard scamper. With the score 21-20, the Mustangs were unfazed. Jennings led the team 75 yards for a touchdown to make the game 28-21 after a successful two-point conversion. The drive was highlighted by a 38-yard reception by receiver Jordan Hudson for the touchdown. The Mustangs would add a field goal on their next possession after Rogers converted on a 37-yard attempt to make the score 31-21. The Eagles scored on a 74-yard drive. Robichaux was able to find the end zone on a 3-yard rush to make the score 31-28. The Mustangs added a touchdown late on a reception by receiver Key'Shawn Smith to make the final 38-28.

Player of The Game

Kobe Wilson, LB, SMU (16 tackles, 1 sack, pass breakup)

Wilson showed that he is a ball-seeking missile on this defense. He was seemingly everywhere and minimized any momentum the Eagles tried to gain throughout the game. He was a force that gave the Eagles and James a nightmare of a day in Dallas.

© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Kye Robichaux, RB, BC (88 total yards, 2 touchdowns)

When the game mattered, Robichaux was clutch for the Eagles. With timely runs and reaching the end zone twice. He rose to the occasion and with questions surrounding the offense shined bright. Often running through initial contact, he maximized the yardage he gained every time he touched the ball.

What Does the Game Mean

For the Mustangs, with a favorable conference schedule remaining, they seem poised to be one of the teams meeting in Charlotte, N.C. to compete for the ACC Championship. The win moves them to 6-0 in the conference the lone remaining undefeated team. The Mustangs next play the Virginia Cavaliers (5-4, 3-3 ACC) on Nov. 23.

For Boston College, the loss drops them to 2-4 in the conference, and needing a win in at least one of their final two games to become bowl-eligible for the second year in a row. While the departure of quarterback Thomas Castellanos left more questions than answers, James showed he can do the job and lead the Eagles. He finished 18-of-32 for 237 yards a touchdown and an interception. The Eagles next play the North Carolina Tar Heels (5-4, 2-3 ACC) on Nov. 23.