LOUISVILLE, KY — SMU hits the road to face No. 22 Louisville on Saturday in its second ACC game of the season. The Mustangs (3-1, 1-0 ACC) are coming off back-to-back blowout wins, while the Cardinals (3-1, 1-0) look to bounce back after a close loss to Notre Dame last weekend.
This will be the third meeting between SMU and Louisville, with the Mustangs winning both prior matchups in 1983 and 1984. Louisville, however, enters Saturday’s contest riding a 14-2 home record dating back to the 2022 season, including 10 straight conference victories at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
SMU has found its rhythm offensively and defensively in recent weeks. After routing TCU 66-42, the Mustangs followed up with a convincing 42-16 victory over Florida State in their first-ever ACC game. The defense has been especially opportunistic, forcing a nation-leading 14 turnovers this season, including four defensive touchdowns in the last two games.
“Club Takeaway,” as SMU’s defense is called, will be key against Louisville’s balanced attack. In their last outing against Florida State, linebacker Kobe Wilson returned an interception 82 yards for a touchdown, punctuating the Mustangs’ dominant 26-point victory. The Mustangs have forced at least three turnovers in four consecutive games.
On the offensive side, running back Brashard Smith has continued his breakout season, rushing for 129 yards and a touchdown while adding 50 receiving yards in last week’s win. SMU will look to maintain its momentum as they face one of the ACC’s toughest teams.
