The transition from a Group of Five conference to the Power Four has proven to be highly beneficial for SMU, and the results speak for themselves.
Currently boasting an impressive 8-1 record, the Mustangs have ascended to No. 13 in the college football rankings—their highest position in almost four decades.
A standout moment for the team was their commanding 48-25 victory over Pittsburgh, which brings their conference record to 5-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
This marks the best start for any team in their inaugural season within a power conference.
As Dallas buzzes with excitement, SMU finds itself in control of their destiny as they vie for both the ACC championship and a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff.
The only blemish on their season came from a narrow three-point loss to BYU, the current leaders of the Big 12.
As the rankings for the College Football Playoff are set to be announced on Tuesday, SMU is expected to emerge as the second-highest ranked team in the ACC, trailing only the unbeaten Miami, which holds the No. 4 spot in the polls.
Coach Rhett Lashlee expressed the pride the team feels in being recognized in both the AP and coaches’ polls.
“It’s a tremendous honor for our program, especially in our first year in the ACC,” he remarked. “With Tuesday’s rankings to be revealed, it will show us what really matters moving forward. We have a lot at stake in the remaining three games.”
SMU will enjoy a bye week before facing Boston College at home, followed by games against Virginia and California, all three of which currently hold losing records in the ACC.
Previously, the Mustangs had competed for 11 seasons in the American Athletic Conference, concluding the last season undefeated in conference play and claiming a win over Tulane in their championship game.
Their performance last year matched their win total from the notable 1982 “Pony Express” era.
Their recent move to join the ACC alongside Cal and Stanford was celebrated as a significant advancement for the football program, marking a return to a higher level of competition after various struggles since the Southwest Conference’s disbandment in 1995, which included the team facing a “death penalty” penalty due to violations in 1987.
The offensive prowess of the Mustangs cannot be understated; they are averaging 40 points a game and have amassed over 450 yards of total offense in each of their five contests within the conference.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings has made headlines, throwing for touchdowns of at least 80 yards in three consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Miami transfer Brashard Smith is maintaining impressive numbers with an average of 100 rushing yards per game, leading a defense that ranks among the best in the league.
Lashlee emphasized that the Mustangs are proving that their program can compete at this heightened level.
“We’re just getting started and have yet to achieve our ultimate goals, but we are on track to compete for the ACC title in this pivotal first year,” he said, acknowledging the contributions of both players and staff.
Shifting attention to the current Top 25, the first-ranked Oregon Ducks are maintaining their spot at the top with an undefeated 9-0 record, having produced a dominant 38-17 victory over Michigan.
Heisman candidate quarterback Dillon Gabriel continues to lead the team with a balanced offensive strategy.
On the other hand, No. 4 Miami is experiencing thrills, having achieved a 53-31 victory over Duke, showcasing their ability to comeback from double-digit deficits in crucial moments.
The eighth-ranked Indiana Hoosiers are also having a historic season with a flawless record of 9-0, setting a milestone for the program.
The Hoosiers triumphed over Michigan State with a convincing 47-10 score after initially trailing in the game.
Meanwhile, No. 16 Mississippi put on a spectacular performance against Arkansas, securing a 63-31 win and setting various season records, with quarterback Jaxson Dart throwing for 515 yards and achieving six touchdown passes.
Lastly, No. 25 Louisville is working on rebuilding momentum after a rough patch, having recently claimed a 33-21 victory against Clemson, overcoming a historical losing streak against the Tigers.
Isaac Brown emerged as a key player in the game, rushing for 156 yards and scoring a critical 45-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Louisville currently holds a 6-3 record and aims to solidify its ACC standing in the final games against Stanford and Pittsburgh before wrapping up their season with a rivalry matchup against Kentucky.
In addition to these highlights, it’s worth noting that teams like Miami, Indiana, and Army have yet to face ranked opponents during their unbeaten run.
Both Indiana and Army are gearing up for encounters with Top 25 teams later in the month.
The recent match between Oregon and Michigan was noteworthy in the context of history, as it marked the 19th time a No. 1 team faced the defending national champion, with the former typically having the edge in those encounters.
Army’s ranking at No. 18 is its best since 1962, marking a significant resurgence.