In a thrilling matchup, the No. 20 SMU Mustangs pulled off a remarkable 48-25 victory against the previously unbeaten No. 18 Pittsburgh Panthers on Saturday night. This win allows SMU to maintain their spot at the top of the Atlantic Coast Conference as they celebrate their strong debut season in this power conference.
Brashard Smith starred for the Mustangs, showcasing his talent with 161 rushing yards, including an impressive 71-yard touchdown run. He also made a spectacular catch in the end zone that contributed to his second touchdown. SMU’s quarterback, Kevin Jennings, had an outstanding performance, completing 17 of 25 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns. He capped off his night with an 80-yard touchdown pass to tight end Matthew Hibner right after an interception by Jonathan McGill.
While the Panthers attempted to make history by achieving an 8-0 record for the first time since 1981, they were ultimately unable to contend with the Mustangs’ relentless offense. Quarterback Eli Holstein completed 29 of 47 passes for 248 yards but could not salvage the game in the final minutes due to a significant point deficit.
The loss for Pitt, along with a setback for No. 11 Clemson, allowed SMU to tie with No. 5 Miami for the ACC lead. The Mustangs, having bounced back impressively since their only loss of the season, are now riding a five-game winning streak.
Despite SMU’s euphoria, the game took a somber turn when cornerback AJ Davis was injured while attempting a tackle. He was rendered immobile and later transported to the hospital, but fortunately, it was reported that he had full movement following the incident.
The resolve shown by the Mustangs after their early-season struggles is truly commendable. Their ability to rebound and dominate against a tough opponent showcases their potential to rise in national rankings. As both teams look ahead, Pittsburgh is set to face Virginia at home, while SMU enjoys a well-deserved break before facing Boston College on November 16.
This match serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of college football, where resilience and teamwork can lead to incredible victories. Fans can remain hopeful as both teams continue their campaigns, aiming for strong finishes as the season progresses.