DALLAS — Kevin Jennings threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score as No. 21 SMU beat Boston College 25-16 in a wet, defense-dominated game Saturday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. The win moved SMU to 4-1 overall and 2-1 in the ACC, while Boston College fell to 2-3 and 0-2 in league play.
DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 03: Southern Methodist University Mustangs defensive end Aakil Washington (58) sacks Boston College Eagles quarterback Mason McKenzie (10) and causes a fumble during the game between SMU and Boston College on October 3, 2026 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, TX. (Photo by George Walker/DFWsportsonline)
The final score belied the statistical picture. Boston College outgained SMU 322-218 and controlled the ball for more than 33 minutes. But the Eagles were hurt by penalties and a costly turnover, and the Mustangs’ defense allowed only six points over the final three quarters while the offense scored 19 unanswered.
Fast start, then a Boston College response
SMU opened with an eight-play, 75-yard drive capped by Kendrick Raphael’s 2-yard dive, though a bad snap on the extra point left the score at 6-0. Boston College answered with a 52-yard field goal in the rain by Luca Lombardo, then took the lead when quarterback Mason McKenzie hit running back Evan Dickens on a 43-yard touchdown pass, putting the Eagles ahead 10-3 after one quarter.
SMU regained the lead in the second quarter when Jennings ran in for a touchdown at the end of a drive extended by two Boston College defensive penalties. The Eagles’ defense, aided by the weather, held SMU to 138 total yards in the first half, including 68 passing, but the Mustangs took a 13-10 lead into halftime.
Turnover swings the third quarter
The game’s pivotal play came on Boston College’s opening drive of the second half. Marques White sacked McKenzie and forced a fumble, which Aakil Washington recovered, and Washington’s 34-yard return put SMU in the red zone. Jennings then found tight end Randy Pittman Jr. for a 14-yard touchdown; another botched snap cost SMU the extra point, leaving the Mustangs up 19-10.
DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 03: Southern Methodist University Mustangs wide receiver Derrick McFall (0) runs after a catch during the game between SMU and Boston College on October 3, 2026 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, TX. (Photo by George Walker/DFWsportsonline)
Boston College had chances to close the gap. Coach Bill O’Brien went for it on fourth down in the third quarter while trailing by nine, and SMU took over at the Boston College 44; penalties then pushed the Mustangs back to fourth-and-50. The Eagles failed to capitalize when tight end Cameron Kossmann dropped a potential touchdown pass on fourth-and-1 at the 7-yard line.
SMU added insurance late. After a 34-yard punt return by Yamir Knight, a roughing-the-passer penalty on third down kept the drive alive, and Jennings threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Derrick McFall. McFall was stopped just short on the two-point try, leaving SMU ahead 25-10. Boston College answered with Danny Edgehille’s 6-yard touchdown catch, but a failed two-point conversion left the Eagles down nine with 2:07 to play.
By the numbers
Jennings, who entered as the FBS passing leader at 357 yards per game, threw for only 160, finishing 20 of 30. McKenzie passed for 208 yards and two touchdowns and led Boston College with 74 rushing yards. SMU’s defense recorded at least five sacks for a second straight game and a season-high 14 tackles for loss.
Both teams struggled with discipline. Boston College was flagged 11 times for 95 yards, and SMU drew three holding penalties, one of which erased a 22-yard completion. SMU also played without regular kicker Nick Reed, who was dealing with a hip injury.
DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 03: Southern Methodist University Mustangs wide receiver Derrick McFall (0) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the game between SMU and Boston College on October 3, 2026 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, TX. (Photo by George Walker/DFWsportsonline)
Postgame
Lashlee credited his defense, calling it “our most complete game” from start to finish. O’Brien was blunt about his team’s execution, saying there were “too many mistakes” and that the Eagles lacked discipline.
Up next
SMU has a bye before hosting Virginia on Oct. 17. Boston College returns home to face Pittsburgh on Oct. 17.
