When watching SMU quarterback Garrett Gilbert and wide receiver Jeremy Johnson work in practice, it’s easy to tell the chemistry is strong between them, but very few saw this outburst of offense coming from the two.

Gilbert exploded for 498 total yards, seven total touchdowns, while Johnson snagged 18 balls for 217 yards and three touchdowns against Rutgers in SMU’s 55-52 loss last weekend.

The explosion of firepower caused Gilbert to be named the American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week and the duo were both honored with the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award and the College Football Performance Awards.

Watching these two players in practice has been a real treat for the last year now and I’ve been waiting for a game like this because I’ve seen the talent they both possess.

Gilbert showed his immense talent by setting five single-game school records last weekend and Johnson tied two records (receptions and career 10-plus reception games) and set the record for receiving yards in a game.

Gilbert, a former Gatorade Player of the Year, and Johnson, a former star quarterback at Tyler John Tyler high school (Texas), are two of the most talented players on the team and the offense will go as they go.

If they can continue to perform at this level, the Run-n-Raid that many have wanted and expected may have finally arrived at SMU.