SMU Defeats Syracuse

SMU secured a decisive 31-18 victory over Syracuse on October 4, 2025, in Dallas, marking a successful ACC opener for the Mustangs in front of their home crowd.

Game Overview

SMU’s quarterback, Kevin Jennings, led his team with an impressive passing performance, completing 29 of 35 attempts for 285 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. The Mustangs built a commanding lead, jumping ahead 31-3 early in the fourth quarter, before Syracuse mounted a late response.

Syracuse, still adjusting after losing starting quarterback Steve Angeli to injury, relied on Rickie Collins, who finished with 279 passing yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Despite flashes of potential, Syracuse’s offensive struggles—especially in the red zone—hindered their ability to challenge SMU’s lead.

Key Moments

• SMU’s four touchdown passes were split among Yamir Knight, RJ Maryland, Derrick McFall, and Jordan Hudson. The Mustangs also benefited from a 26-yard field goal by Sam Keltner following a pivotal interception from Brandon Miyazono.

• Syracuse’s Rickie Collins was intercepted three times, each inside SMU’s 20-yard line—thwarting potential scoring opportunities. He added a 6-yard rushing touchdown and an 11-yard passing touchdown to Johntay Cook II during a late-game surge that narrowed the score.

• Defensive highlights included a safety forced by Syracuse’s David Omopariola and a field goal from Tripp Woody, reflecting the Orange’s determination despite their deficit.

Team Performance

The Mustangs, previously ranked 134th nationally in passing defense, limited Syracuse to 279 passing yards—a season-best for SMU and a sign of defensive improvement. On offense, the Mustangs capitalized on turnovers and short fields, while Syracuse struggled with red zone efficiency and turnovers.

Syracuse began strong but faltered near scoring opportunities, including a first-quarter drive that ended with Collins stopped short at the goal line. Their streak of scoreless quarters extended before Collins broke through with two fourth-quarter touchdowns. SMU demonstrated consistency, executing efficient drives and maintaining control throughout most of the contest.

Looking Ahead

This result moves SMU to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in ACC play, while Syracuse falls to 3-3 and faces a bye week before hosting Pittsburgh on October 18.

Both teams displayed resilience—SMU with a balanced offensive attack, and Syracuse with late defensive and scoring efforts despite adverse circumstances. The matchup provided a test of adaptability for both programs, with SMU affirming its readiness for the ACC and Syracuse searching for answers following a series of injuries and setbacks.