DURHAM, N.C. — In a thrilling encounter late Saturday night, the No. 22-ranked SMU Mustangs clinched a 28-27 victory over Duke in overtime, thanks to a key defensive play that thwarted the Blue Devils’ two-point conversion attempt. This triumph marks the Mustangs’ fifth straight win, bringing their season record to an impressive 7-1, with a flawless 4-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Brashard Smith made a significant impact, rushing for 117 yards and scoring two touchdowns, with the game-winning touchdown occurring in overtime. Quarterback Kevin Jennings contributed with 299 total offensive yards, adding a rushing touchdown alongside his passing efforts.
On the other hand, the Blue Devils, now standing at 6-2 overall and 2-2 in the conference, dominated the turnover margin, forcing an astonishing six turnovers without returning any of their own. Maalik Murphy threw for 295 yards, completing 27 of his 48 passes and securing three touchdowns, while Star Thomas added 65 rushing yards along with a touchdown, showcasing Duke’s offensive capabilities.
The turning point came with just nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter when Duke executed a methodical 10-play, 64-yard drive, culminating in a touchdown run by Thomas, which brought the score within reach. However, fortune smiled briefly on the Blue Devils when a fumble by Jennings allowed linebacker Ozzie Nicholas to scoop up the loose ball and return it 21 yards into SMU’s red zone. Yet, Duke was unable to capitalize on this golden opportunity, as Todd Pelino’s attempt at a last-second 30-yard field goal was blocked by Isaiah Nwokobia, ending regulation in a deadlock.
During overtime, the Mustangs quickly struck first with a decisive 24-yard run from Smith. In response, Duke found the end zone with a touchdown pass to Eli Pancol. However, when it came time for the Blue Devils to attempt a win with a two-point conversion, SMU’s defense rose to the occasion, securing the hard-fought victory.
In terms of performance, SMU showcased their offensive prowess, ranking 11th in FBS scoring, and accumulating a total of 469 offensive yards—the highest yardage the Blue Devils have permitted this season. Despite a game marked by turnovers that typically hinder a team’s success, the Mustangs relied on their late-game fortitude to maintain their unblemished conference record.
For Duke, the point of contention remains their failure to convert turnovers into scoring opportunities. Although their opponents fumbled and threw interceptions, the Blue Devils were unable to translate these gifts into points on the board.
Looking ahead, the Mustangs will prepare to face No. 19 Pittsburgh next Saturday in what promises to be another challenging contest. Meanwhile, Duke will travel to take on No. 6 Miami, hoping to bounce back from this close defeat.