Texas A&M Capitalizes On SMU Mistakes

The SMU Mustangs wanted to open the season with a statement against #8 Texas A&M.  Unfortunately, the statement backfired as the Mustangs opened the game with mistakes which game the Aggies a 14-point advantage.   SMU could never recover and eventually fell 46-14.

On the first offensive possession, SMU quarterback Kyle Padron threw and interception that was returned to the 6 yard line to set up the first A&M score.  Again, on the very next series, Padron threw another interception which led to a 14-point A&M lead.

Backup quarterback JJ McDermott was brought in for the Mustangs and put together a 60 yard drive capped by Zach Line’s 1 yard TD run.

SMU tried a laughable onside kick, which hit the kicker and bounced backward to give the Aggies the ball at the 31 yard line.  A&M scored their 3rd TD without ever crossing the 50 yard line.  Defensive end Margus Hunt blocked the extra-point attempt, his first of 2 blocked PATs on the night.  His 6 career blocked PATs ties for 2nd in NCAA history.

McDermott drove the Mustangs 71 yards for a score to bring SMU within a touchdown, but that was as close as the game would get.  Texas A&M would mount 2 long drives to end the half with a 33-14 lead.

The 2nd half was all A&M, as they held SMU scoreless.

McDermott ended the game 21 of 34 for 254 yards.  He was sacked 6 times.  Zach Line led the Mustangs ground attack with 128 yards on 22 carries.  Cole Beasley led the team in receptions with 7, but Terrance Wilkerson had the most receiving yards with 85.

For the Aggies, Ryan Tannehill was 21 of 26 passing for 246 yards and 2 TDs with no interceptions.  Cyrus Gray led all rushers with 132 yards on 21 carries.  A&M rushed for 212 total yards.  Ryan Swope had 8 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown.

SMU plays their home opener on Saturday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.  Kickoff is set for 6 pm.  Tickets are available at smumustangs.com/tickets