SMU Football maintained momentum from its historic win against the University of Miami, beating Boston College 45-13 on Nov. 8.
Senior Isaiah Smith tied an SMU single-game record with four sacks, matching Luke Johnson and Justin Lawler’s efforts from 1999 and 2017, respectively. The SMU defensive line was solid from top to bottom, compiling eight sacks and forcing two fumbles.
“[Smith] has always been that guy who creates sacks,” Head Coach Rhett Lashlee said. “What he’s done in the past few weeks, particularly with Cam [Robertson] out, is he’s been a complete player.
On top of the two fumbles, true freshmen Tyren Polley and Sael Reyes each reeled in an interception. The four turnovers increased the Mustangs’ season takeaway count to 26, the most in the country.
Derrick McFall, who assumed a heavier workload due to injuries to fellow running backs Chris Johnson Jr. and Shaadie Clayton-Johnson, ran for a career-best three touchdowns. He rushed for 64 yards on five carries.
“It’s a blessing having an opportunity to showcase my talent,” McFall said. “So every time my number is called, I’ve got to make [a play].”
In the first quarter, SMU wide receiver Jordan Hudson took a short pass from quarterback Kevin Jennings 44 yards to set the Mustangs up on the one-yard line. Then, McFall punched it in for the first score of the game.
A strip sack by defensive end DJ Warner brought the SMU offense back onto the field quickly, and Sam Keltner made it 10-0 with a 20-yard field goal. Through the first quarter, Boston College could only muster three passing yards. Smith said the defense has found their stride since the start of ACC play.
“I feel like every new season, you’ve got to build the camaraderie of the team,” Smith said. “We went into a bye week that was definitely needed, and then we knew ACC play was coming up, so it was time to put the pedal to the medal.”
Jennings found his favorite target, Hudson, for a 25-yard touchdown, but the offense was otherwise quiet in the second quarter. Boston College kicked two field goals in the final two minutes of the half to make the score 17-6.
However, SMU ran away with the game after the break, scoring touchdowns on four straight drives to open the second half. The first two, a 61-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Yamir Knight and a 37-yarder to tight end Matthew Hibner, counted for two of eight SMU plays that went for 25+ yards.
“Completing those deep balls makes such a difference in the offense,” Lashlee said. “It does. College football has turned into a game of explosive plays. But if you’re explosive and you can run the ball, then you control the game a little bit better.”
Despite an otherwise incredible game, flags were a lingering issue for SMU. The Mustangs committed a season-high 13 infractions, losing 155 yards in the process.
“We have great kids, but man, we were doing some undisciplined stuff,” Lashlee said. “We’ve got to be better than that.”
With a 38-13 lead in the fourth quarter, Jennings and lead running back TJ Harden were removed from the game. Jennings finished 16-32 for 326 yards and three touchdowns, and Harden ended with 130 yards on 16 carries. McFall said the running back room isn’t competitive, and instead cheer on one another’s successes.
“We never hate on each other,” McFall said. “It’s a team game at the end of the day, so I really depend on them and they depend on me the same way.”
Oddly enough, Keltner, the starting kicker, also earned a break in the fourth quarter, which gave way to backup tight end Stone Eby to try the extra point kick after McFall’s third touchdown. Eby, who went shoeless for the try, drilled it for the final score of the game.
With the 45-13 win, SMU improved to 7-3 on the season and 5-1 in the ACC. Boston College, on the other hand, dropped its ninth straight game. The Mustangs will have a bye week next Saturday, giving the depleted roster a much-needed chance to recover. Defensive stars Isaiah Nwokobia, Marcellus Barnes Jr., Brandon Miyazono and Cameron Robertson may all be able to return before SMU’s must-win game against No. 15 Louisville on Nov 22.
“Louisville is coming into our house in two weeks, so we’re ready for them,” Smith said. “We’re definitely going to heal up and treat the bye week like a bye week, but as Kobe Bryant would say, ‘job’s not finished.’”
SMU remains tied for second in the ACC standings and continues to be in the hunt for a second-straight berth to the ACC Championship game.
