SMU Dominates Houston Christian
|In a dominant display, the SMU Mustangs triumphed over the Houston Christian Huskies with a decisive 59-7 victory on August 31, 2024, at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. This game marked SMU’s first home appearance since joining the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and they delivered an impressive performance to celebrate the occasion.
Game Overview
The Mustangs set the tone early, overcoming a slow start that saw them go three-and-out on their first possession. They quickly found their rhythm, scoring touchdowns on four consecutive drives, and even capitalized on a fumble recovery to establish a commanding 35-0 lead. By halftime, SMU had extended their advantage to 42-7, effectively sealing the game.
Key Performances
- Brashard Smith was a standout performer for SMU, rushing for 108 yards and scoring two touchdowns on just nine carries.
- Preston Stone and Kevin Jennings shared quarterback duties effectively. Stone threw for two touchdowns, while Jennings contributed both a passing and a rushing touchdown.
- Anthony Booker Jr., a 348-pound nose tackle, made a significant impact by returning a fumble for a touchdown, further cementing SMU’s dominance.
Houston Christian’s Struggles
The Huskies, under new head coach Jason Bachtel, faced challenges throughout the game. Their offense managed only 157 total yards and averaged a mere 3 yards per play. Quarterback Cutter Stewart completed 10 of 25 passes for 118 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Despite a promising start that included forcing SMU into a three-and-out, the Huskies’ defense struggled to contain the Mustangs’ potent offense.
Conclusion
SMU’s comprehensive win highlighted their offensive prowess and defensive strength, setting a positive tone for their season in the ACC. Meanwhile, Houston Christian will look to regroup and improve as they prepare to host Tarleton State in their next matchup.