Mustangs Keep Rolling With Impressive Win Over Virginia

© Amber Searls-Imagn Images

In their quest for a berth in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game and the College Football Playoff, the No. 13 SMU Mustangs (10-1, 6-1) kept rolling with a convincing 33-7 road win over the Virginia Cavaliers (5-6, 3-4).

Despite losing the turnover battle 2-0, 1 interception and 1 fumble, the Mustangs simply overwhelmed the Cavaliers, with dominant performances on both sides of the ball.

Summary of Dominant Mustangs Win

Both defenses began the game with stops. However, the Mustangs were then off to the races, taking the early lead on a 4-yard touchdown run by standout running back Brashard Smith. After both teams missed field goal attempts in the second quarter, SMU extended the lead to 14-0 on a TD pass from quarterback Kevin Jennings to junior wide receiver Jordan Hudson.

The Ponies took a 17-0 lead into the locker room at halftime after a 35-yard field goal by Collin Rogers.

On the strength of another field goal by Rogers in the third quarter, his 21st made FG on the season, SMU extended its lead to 20-0.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Jennings took matters into his own hands, running into the end zone from the 1-yard line. The Mustangs went for a 2-point conversion but failed, resulting in a 26-0 lead. The game was out of reach at that point.

The Cavaliers did not score until less than four minutes remaining in the game, converting a fourth-down play for a TD.

SMU outgained Virginia, 434 yards to 173 yards. Jennings completed 25-of-33 passes for 323 yards and 2 TDs. WR Moochie Dixon had 4 receptions for 89 yards.

Leading the stout Mustangs' defense, fabulous senior linebacker Ahmad Walker tallied 10 tackles, including a tackle for loss and a half sack. The defense as a whole put up extraordinary numbers, with 9 sacks, 12 TFLs and 3 passes defended.

© Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Next Up

For their regular-season finalé, the Ponies host the Cal Golden Bears (5-5, 1-5) on Nov. 30 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. The Cavaliers travel to Blacksburg, Va. to take on in-state rival Virginia Tech (5-5, 3-3) in a contest that will have bowl eligibility implications for both teams.