Week 12 brings a rematch of the 2023 Fenway Bowl, with Boston College heading down to Dallas as part of SMU’s first season in the ACC.
When: November 16, 2024
Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX
Last Season (11-3, 8-0 AAC):
Rhett Lashlee, in his second year on the job, guided the Mustangs to an undefeated conference record in the AAC. After losing two of its first four contests (to a ranked Oklahoma squad and another P4 team in TCU), SMU won out its regular season — including taking down then-#22 Tulane in New Orleans. Powered by a high-octane offense, Lashlee’s Mustangs featured multiple weapons in both the air and ground games. Tying it all together was Preston Stone, who tossed for 3,197 yards and 28 TDs. However, the Mustang’s momentum then ran into a torrential rainstorm and the Boston College Eagles. Needless to say, SMU will be motivated for revenge in this season’s rematch.
Incoming Talent:
SMU returns most of its skill position players, but the Mustangs prepared for their first season of Power Four ball by loading up on transfers in the trenches. Though both starting tackles from last season (Hyrin White and Marcus Bryant) do not return, Lashlee brought in a portal class of 21 players. Of those 21 players, five are offensive linemen and eight play either EDGE or D-line. Some of the more notable names include Oklahoma transfer OT Savion Byrd and former Georgia Bulldog DL Jonathan Jefferson. Expect a new look along both lines for SMU.
Returners:
Alongside Preston Stone (and talented backup Kevin Jennings, as well) return his top seven targeted receivers. Though none of these guys topped 530 yards, none had less than 300. That speaks both to the depth in the room and the ability of Lashlee to attack defenses in different ways. RJ Maryland offers a big WR/TE hybrid option out of the slot, Jake Bailey offers a shorter, speedier slot option, while Mooch Dixon and Romello Brinson bring more size to the room. In the ground game, Jaylan Knighton, who led the team in rushing for 745 yards and seven TDs this past season, also returns. On the defensive side of the ball, Second Team All-AAC DL Elijah Roberts is a veteran presence who will create splash plays (10 sacks, 12.5 TFLs last season).
Win Total: O/U 8.5
In their debut season in the ACC, SMU is predicted to make an immediate impact. The schedule sets up nicely for the Mustangs, as they avoid all of Clemson, Miami, and NC State while also featuring a relatively mediocre non-conference slate. However, the jump from Group of Five ball to the ACC is still significant. I expect SMU to qualify for a bowl game, but I’m hesitant to take their over — I think a full season of power conference football will wear down this team. I think they finish with 7-8 wins.