DALLAS, Texas — The SMU Mustangs were looking to make history tonight when they hosted Texas State. The last time SMU started the season 3-0 was 35 years ago, in 1984. The Mustangs headed into this game 2-0, as they put on an impressive performance to defeat Texas State 47-17 and improved their record to 3-0.
The star of the show tonight was freshman running back T.J. McDaniel. Just last week he was on scout team and preparing to redshirt this season. However the new redshirt rule allows players to play in up to 4 games and still redshirt, so Head Coach Sonny Dykes decided to give McDaniel a go tonight and in his first college game McDaniel was very impressive. He finished the night rushing for 159 yards on just eight carries.
The Southlake Carroll graduate finished with three touchdowns, including one he took 48 yards down the field and the finished the drive off with a 10-yard touchdown. After a remarkable debut McDaniel still thinks the plan is for him to redshirt, but Dyke’s mind might have changed after tonight’s performance. Beside McDaniel, Xavier Jones also had a good game running the ball. He finished with 20 carries for 108 yards and a touchdown.
Transfer quarterback Shane Buechele was 14-of-18 passing with 219 yards but also had two interceptions. Up next for the Mustangs is another instate foe, the TCU Horned frogs. The game next week is on the road, but at least they will only have to travel 40 miles west to Fort Worth.
