Brashard Smith and the ninth-ranked SMU Mustangs made a statement in their first season in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), refusing to settle even after clinching a spot in the conference championship game.
“Staying undefeated in the conference was huge for us,” said Smith. “We came in with a mission and saw it through.”
The Mustangs closed out their inaugural ACC regular season with a commanding 38-6 victory over California on Saturday, cementing their position as the only undefeated team in conference play.
Finishing Strong
Third-year head coach Rhett Lashlee praised his team’s commitment. “It shows their maturity,” Lashlee said. “We didn’t just want to make the championship; we wanted to go 8-0, win the regular season outright, and avoid any setbacks. We’re also mindful of the College Football Playoff rankings still to come.”
Smith delivered an electrifying performance with 134 total yards (68 rushing, 66 receiving) and two touchdowns. Quarterback Kevin Jennings added 225 passing yards and two scores as SMU (11-1, 8-0 ACC, No. 9 CFP) extended its conference winning streak to 17 games, dating back to their final season in the American Athletic Conference.
“It’s surreal to come into the ACC and achieve this in our first year,” said Jennings, now 9-0 as a starter this season.
Looking Ahead
SMU faces No. 12 Clemson next Saturday for the ACC title and a shot at the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. Lashlee is confident in his team’s playoff case but acknowledges a win against Clemson would solidify their spot.
“It’s incredible what this team has done—back-to-back 11-win seasons, undefeated in conference play, and heading to championship weekend again,” Lashlee said.
Fast Start, Total Control
The Mustangs dominated early, scoring touchdowns on three consecutive drives to take a 21-0 lead by the second quarter. By halftime, SMU had racked up 234 total yards and finished the game with 415.
California (6-6, 2-6 ACC), also in its first ACC season, struggled offensively without starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who was sidelined with an illness.
“This was a tough loss,” said Cal head coach Justin Wilcox. “We just didn’t give ourselves a chance.”
Chandler Rogers, filling in for Mendoza, completed 8 of 15 passes for 84 yards before leaving in the third quarter with an injury. Cal managed only 254 total yards, struggling to capitalize on opportunities, including a missed field goal after a first-and-goal at the 3-yard line.
Key Plays
Jennings showcased his skill early, scrambling and hitting tight end Matthew Hibner for an 11-yard touchdown. Smith followed up with a 5-yard rushing score and added a 23-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. Derrick McFall also contributed with an 8-yard touchdown run.
The Takeaway
California: Missing key players, including Mendoza, leading rusher Jaivian Thomas, and starting left tackle Nick Morrow, the Bears were out of rhythm offensively. They failed to generate momentum, with just 37 total yards before breaking their scoring drought late in the game.
SMU: The Mustangs continued their dominance, showing depth, discipline, and a clear path to their ultimate goal—a conference championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Up Next:
The Golden Bears is among 13 bowl-eligible ACC teams, has to wait for the bowl selections that will be revealed December 8.
SMU plays in the ACC championship game Dec. 7 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
