DALLAS, TEXAS — The SMU Mustangs are riding high on a seven-game road winning streak and will look to keep the momentum going when they face the Stanford Cardinal this Saturday at 7 PM CT on the ACC Network. Coming off a thrilling victory over then-No. 22 Louisville, the Mustangs are averaging a scorching 47.3 points per game during their current three-game winning streak and have forced a nation-leading 15 turnovers so far this season. With a perfect 2-0 start in their inaugural ACC season, the Mustangs have shown they’re ready to compete on the big stage.
Jennings and the Offense Firing on All Cylinders
Leading the charge for SMU is quarterback Kevin Jennings, who turned in a career-best performance against Louisville, passing for 281 yards and rushing for 113, becoming the first Mustang to pass for over 200 yards and rush for over 100 in a game since 2014. His dual-threat ability has elevated SMU’s offense to new heights, and they’ll look to keep the pressure on a Stanford team that has struggled defensively this season.
It’s not just Jennings making waves, though. The Mustangs’ depth at wide receiver has been on full display, with at least seven different players catching a pass in each of the last 23 games—a streak that dates back to November 2022. Add in the dynamic playmaking of Brashard Smith, who ranks in the top ten nationally in total touchdowns, all-purpose yards, and rushing yards per carry, and the SMU offense is primed to keep rolling.
“Club Takeaway” Continues to Thrive
On the other side of the ball, SMU’s defense, dubbed “Club Takeaway,” has been one of the best in the nation at forcing turnovers. Their 15 takeaways rank first in the country, and they lead in defensive touchdowns with four. Ahmad Moses has been a standout in the secondary, ranking third nationally in interceptions, including a two-pick game against TCU earlier this season.
The Mustangs’ defense has forced at least one turnover in 15 of their last 16 games, dating back to 2023. The ability to create extra possessions has been a key component of SMU’s success, and they’ll need to bring that same tenacity against a Stanford team that has struggled to protect the football.
Stanford Struggling to Find Consistency
The Stanford Cardinal, on the other hand, come into the matchup with a 2-4 record and are on a three-game losing streak. Although they’ve been better at home, with a 1-2 record at Stanford Stadium, they’ve averaged just 25 points per game on their home turf, a number that will need to improve if they hope to hang with the high-flying SMU offense.
Historically, Stanford has had the upper hand in this series—though the teams have only met once before, in the 1935 Rose Bowl, when the Cardinal edged SMU 7-0. However, this year’s Cardinal team is in a rebuilding phase, and they’ll be in for a tough challenge against an SMU squad that’s playing some of its best football in years.
A Record-Breaking Streak
SMU’s current road winning streak is the second-longest in FBS, trailing only Michigan. The Mustangs have been road warriors under head coach Rhett Lashlee, with 21 of their 48 wins over the last six seasons coming away from home. Lashlee’s squad is 21-1 when scoring 30 or more points, a mark they’ve hit in 19 consecutive games. If SMU can light up the scoreboard again on Saturday, history suggests they’ll be tough to beat.
Kicker Collin Rogers has also played a crucial role in SMU’s success, leading the nation with five field goals of 50+ yards and ranking second with 11 total field goals made this season. His leg could prove decisive in what’s expected to be a competitive contest.
Looking Ahead
As SMU continues to establish itself in the ACC, Saturday’s game will be another important step in their journey to national relevance. With a high-octane offense, an opportunistic defense, and the confidence that comes with winning, the Mustangs are poised to extend their road streak and improve their standing in the conference.
For Stanford, the challenge will be to find consistency on both sides of the ball and limit the turnovers that have plagued them this season. If they can slow down SMU’s explosive attack, they might have a chance to pull off an upset at home.
Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that SMU is a team on the rise, and they’ll be looking to make a statement under the bright lights of the ACC Network this Saturday night.
