SMU Thumps Pitt, Keeping ACC Championship Hopes Alive

© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

In a pivotal Atlantic Coast Conference clash, the No. 20 SMU Mustangs (8-1, 5-0) routed the No. 18 Pitt Panthers (7-1, 4-1). The game was over early in the third quarter. The final score was 48-25.

Four ACC teams went into the weekend undefeated; only two remain. SMU and the No. 5 Miami Hurricanes (9-0, 5-0) are now the only undefeated teams in the ACC.

Game Summary

The Mustangs came out of the gate strong, scoring a touchdown on the game's opening drive. In a dominant possession highlighted by a 43-yard pass from quarterback Kevin Jennings to wide receiver Key'Shawn Smith, LJ Johnson Jr. punched in a 2-yard TD run to give SMU an early 7-0 lead.

Pitt responded with a 44-yard field goal by Ben Sauls with slightly under 6 minutes remaining in the first quarter, making the score 7-3.

The Ponies opened the second quarter with a TD on a spectacular goal-line end-around by WR Roderick Daniels Jr. to take a 14-3 lead; Daniels hurdled over a Pitt defender into the end zone.

Following a missed field goal attempt by the Panthers, SMU responded with a 71-yard TD run by star running back Brashard Smith, extending the lead to 21-3 with just under 11 minutes remaining in the first half. After the score, SMU alumnus and professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau walked through the student body section of the crowd at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, celebrating with the students and displaying the trophy he won at this year's U.S. Open golf tournament.

© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Before the half ended, SMU scored another TD and one more field goal, taking a 31-3 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The game was essentially over at that point. But, in case there were any doubts, the Mustangs outscored the Panthers 17-3 at the beginning of the second half to push the lead to 48-11. Thereafter, the teams put in their backups and the crowd began to dissipate.

SMU's Dominance

Rebounding from their 6-turnover performance against the Duke Blue Devils (6-3, 2-3) on Oct. 26, the Mustangs took care of the ball against the Panthers, yielding no turnovers. SMU featured a dynamic, balanced attack, averaging over 7 yards per play.

Up Next

The Mustangs have a bye next week before hosting Boston College (4-4, 1-3) on Nov. 16. The Panthers take on the Virginia Cavaliers (4-4, 2-3) on Nov. 9 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa.