SMU Defeats UTEP In Home Opener

The SMU Mustangs won their home opener against UTEP 28-17 Saturday night at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.  It is also the 3rd straight year the Mustangs have won their C-USA opener.  SMU is now 13-4 in it’s last 17 conference games.

Quarterback JJ McDermott was 18-31 for 244 yards.  Kyle Padron, who was replaced last week against Texas A&M, also saw action and scored a touchdown on a 12 yard run.  McDermott’s favorite receiver was Cole Beasley, who had a career-high 10 catches.  Beasley had 99 receiving yards in the game.

Zach Line rushed for 114 yards and 2 touchdowns on 20 carries.  Line has rushed for over 100 yards in 5 of the last 6 games.

Linebacker Ja’Gared Davis sealed the victory for SMU by forcing a fumble and recovering for a touchdown with 2:39 left in the game.  Davis also had an interception and 1.5 sacks.  He ended the game with 8 tackles and 3 pass breakups.

Margus Hunt blocked a field goal attempt in the 2nd quarter.  It is his 13th blocked kick, an SMU record and 3rd in NCAA history.

SMU will host Northwestern State next Saturday night.

 

 

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