SMU 33, Virginia 7:

The No. 13 SMU Mustangs (10-1, 7-0 AAC) continued their dominant run through the American Athletic Conference with a convincing 33-7 victory over the Virginia Cavaliers (5-6, 3-4 ACC) at Scott Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

SMU's Offense Rolls:

The Mustangs' offense, led by sophomore quarterback Kevin Jennings (25-33, 323 yards, 2 TDs, 1 rush TD), put on a clinic. Jennings spread the ball around effectively, connecting with seven different receivers, including touchdown receptions to Jordan Hudson and Matthew Hibner. Senior running back Brashard Smith (19-63 yards, 1 TD) added another dimension to the attack, keeping the Virginia defense honest.

SMU Defense Stifles Virginia:

The SMU defense was equally impressive, limiting the Cavaliers to a measly 173 yards of total offense. The Mustangs' defensive line was particularly disruptive, recording a season-high nine sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Isaiah Smith and Jared Harrison-Hunte each had a pair of sacks, leading the way for the ferocious pass rush.

Key Stats:

SMU outscored Virginia 33-0 in the second half.

SMU held Virginia to just 3-of-15 conversions on third downs.

SMU has now won 10 consecutive road games, the second-longest streak in program history.

SMU has won 16 straight conference games, extending the school record.

Looking Ahead

With the win, SMU has clinched a spot in the AAC Championship Game, which will be played on December 7th at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Mustangs will look to continue their impressive run and claim their first conference title since 1982.

Coach Lashlee Earns Extension:

In addition to the on-field success, SMU announced a contract extension for head coach Rhett Lashlee. Under Lashlee's leadership, the Mustangs are 28-10 overall and 20-3 in conference play.

SMU Individual Records Broken:

Several Mustangs also etched their names in the school's record books. Kicker Collin Rogers extended his career records for points scored (338) and field goals made (57). He also set a new single-season record for field goals made (21). Brashard Smith climbed the all-purpose yards leaderboard, sitting at 11th with 1,533 yards this season.

Mustangs' Dynamic Trio Leads the Charge

SMU's offensive success can be largely attributed to the stellar play of three key players:

Kevin Jennings: The sophomore quarterback continues to impress, completing 25 of 33 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding a rushing touchdown. This marks his sixth game of the season with multiple passing touchdowns and his third game with over 300 passing yards.

Brashard Smith: The senior running back remains a force, rushing for 63 yards on 19 carries and scoring a touchdown. With 13 rushing touchdowns this season, Smith has amassed 1,089 rushing yards and 1,533 all-purpose yards, ranking 15th and 11th, respectively, in SMU single-season history.

Roderick Daniels Jr.: The versatile senior receiver has been a consistent threat, totaling 110 all-purpose yards against Virginia. He has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in three of the past four games.

This dynamic trio has been instrumental in SMU's dominant season, and their continued contributions will be crucial as the Mustangs push for an AAC Championship.

Individual Standouts Shine for SMU

While the Mustangs' offensive trio stole the show, several other players made significant contributions to the victory:

Moochie Dixon caught four passes for 89 yards, tying his season-highs in receptions and receiving yards.

Matthew Hibner hauled in three receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown, his second in the past three games.

Jordan Hudson continued his strong season, catching six passes for 56 yards and a touchdown, his fifth touchdown reception of the year.

Jared Harrison-Hunte had a breakout game, recording three tackles, including a career-high two sacks.

Jonathan McGill, an Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee and Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List member, played a solid game on defense.

Isaiah Nwokobia contributed eight tackles, including six solo tackles and a tackle for loss.

Logan Parr, a Lombardi Award Watch List nominee, continued his impressive streak of 23 consecutive starts.

Kori Roberson Jr. recorded two tackles, including a career-high 1.5 sacks.

Elijah Roberts, a Bednarik Award Watch List member, added a tackle and a pass breakup.

Isaiah Smith had a dominant performance, tallying five tackles, two sacks, and a quarterback hurry.

Kobe Wilson chipped in with nine tackles.

Ahmad Walker led the team with 10 tackles, tying his career high.

The contributions of these players were instrumental in SMU's dominant victory over Virginia.

A dominant performance on both sides of the ball propelled SMU to a convincing victory over Virginia. The Mustangs are now one win away from capturing their first conference championship in over four decades. With a red-hot offense and a stifling defense, SMU is a force to be reckoned with in the college football landscape.