DALLAS — SMU leaned on a productive offensive performance from quarterback Kevin Jennings and a defense that limited Virginia well below its season averages to secure a 23-13 victory Saturday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
The No. 24-ranked Mustangs improved to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, while Virginia dropped to 4-3 and 2-2 in the league.
SMU finished with 404 total yards, including 246 through the air and 158 on the ground. Virginia managed 258 yards, a significant drop from its season average of 379.3, as the Mustangs controlled much of the contest defensively.
Jennings completed 23 of 36 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with tight end Randy Pittman Jr. on a 6-yard scoring pass before finding receiver Jalen Hale for a 37-yard touchdown. Hale’s score was his first receiving touchdown of the season.
The performance also extended Jennings’ hold on several SMU career records. He now has 10,197 yards of total offense, 9,543 passing yards and 765 completions. His two touchdown passes brought his career total to 71, while his 83 touchdowns responsible for — 71 passing and 12 rushing — established another program record.
Running back Kendrick Raphael provided a steady presence on the ground, carrying 22 times for 124 yards. It was his second 100-yard rushing performance this season and fifth of his career. Jennings added 26 rushing yards on four carries.
Receiver Yannick Smith led SMU with 87 receiving yards on five catches, while Yamir Kight paced the team with six receptions for 51 yards.
Defense keeps Virginia in check
SMU’s defense delivered one of its more effective performances of the season, holding a Virginia offense that entered the game averaging 32.8 points per contest to just 13.
The Cavaliers finished with 137 passing yards and 121 rushing yards. They converted only four of 13 third-down attempts, matching SMU’s third-down production on the opposite side of the ball.
Linebacker Alexander Kilgore led the Mustangs with 10 tackles, while Brandon Booker recorded seven tackles and a sack. Defensive end Marques White recovered a fumble for his first career recovery, giving SMU a key takeaway.
Booker’s sack added to a sustained run of pass-rushing production for the Mustangs, who entered the game with 142 sacks since 2023, according to the program’s pregame notes.
SMU also continued its recent success in creating turnovers, recording at least one takeaway in 37 of its previous 42 games.
Special teams contribute to the win
Brendan Baird connected on three field goals, providing important points as SMU worked to maintain its advantage. According to the team’s postgame notes, the makes were the first successful field goals of Baird’s career.
The Mustangs scored on all three of their red-zone trips, converting one into a touchdown. Their offense also produced a field goal after a 19-second drive that began at the SMU 18-yard line.
The victory further strengthened SMU’s recent home and conference success. Under coach Rhett Lashlee, the Mustangs improved to 43-17 overall, 17-3 in ACC games and 10-0 in home ACC contests.
SMU has also won 32 of its last 38 regular-season games, continuing its strong run since joining the ACC.
What’s next
SMU returns to Gerald J. Ford Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 24, to host California. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT, with television coverage on The CW.
The Mustangs will look to build on Saturday’s defensive effort and maintain their position in the ACC race as conference play continues.
