In a season of firsts, the SMU Mustangs have achieved the unthinkable – clinching a berth in the ACC championship game in their inaugural year in the conference. With a decisive 33-7 victory over the Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday, the Mustangs etched their names in the history books, becoming the first team to ever secure a spot in the title game in their debut ACC season.
A Trailblazing Journey
SMU’s path to the ACC has been a winding one. After years of dominant performances in the American Athletic Conference, including a league championship just last season, the Mustangs set their sights on the greener pastures of the Power Four. The ACC came calling, and SMU answered, agreeing to join the conference under the condition of forgoing television revenue for the first nine years – a bold move that underscored their determination to prove they belong among the elite.
Undefeated in Conference Play
Since making the leap, the Mustangs have been on a tear. They remain the only undefeated team in ACC play, boasting a perfect 7-0 record against conference foes. Much of this success can be attributed to the stellar play of quarterback Kevin Jennings, who took over as the starter just three games into the season. Under Jennings’ leadership, the Mustangs have been unstoppable, with the signal-caller compiling an unblemished 8-0 record as a starter.
“Kevin has been a revelation for us,” a source close to the team revealed. “His poise, his command of the offense – it’s been a game-changer. The team has rallied around him, and the results speak for themselves.”
Jennings Shines Against Virginia
In the pivotal matchup against Virginia, Jennings once again rose to the occasion. The young quarterback completed 25 of 33 passes for 323 yards, tossing one touchdown against a single interception. His precision and poise were on full display as he methodically dissected the Cavaliers’ defense, leading the Mustangs to a resounding victory and a date with destiny in the ACC title game.
Lashlee’s Long-Term Commitment
The Mustangs’ success has not gone unnoticed, and the university has moved swiftly to secure the architect of this historic run. On Friday, head coach Rhett Lashlee inked a contract extension, reaffirming his commitment to the SMU program for the long haul. This move sends a clear message: the Mustangs are here to stay, and they plan to be a force in the ACC for years to come.
Playoff Aspirations
Despite their unblemished record in conference play, the Mustangs find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the College Football Playoff rankings. However, a win in the ACC championship game would almost certainly secure them a spot in the four-team playoff. With one regular-season game remaining against California, SMU controls its own destiny. A victory over the Golden Bears, followed by a triumph in the ACC title game, would make the Mustangs’ case for a playoff berth undeniable.
As the college football world watches in awe, the SMU Mustangs continue to defy expectations and rewrite the record books. With each passing week, they prove that they are no mere flash in the pan, but rather a legitimate force to be reckoned with. And now, with an ACC championship game berth secured, the Mustangs stand on the precipice of greatness, ready to take their place among the sport’s elite. The journey is far from over, but one thing is certain: SMU has already made history, and they’re just getting started.
