Dallas, Tx — No. 21 SMU didn’t have its best offensive afternoon Saturday, but the Mustangs showed something that could prove even more valuable as the season progresses: the ability to win when everything isn’t clicking.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings accounted for three touchdowns, including two through the air and another on the ground, as SMU held off Boston College 25-16 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
The victory moved the Mustangs to 4-1 on the season, although the final score didn’t tell the entire story.
SMU produced just 218 total yards, well below the offensive numbers the Mustangs had established earlier in the season. Boston College actually controlled much of the statistical battle, finishing with 322 total yards and possessing the football for more than 33 minutes.
But the Mustangs avoided the mistakes that can turn a close game into a loss.
They didn’t commit a turnover, made the most of their scoring opportunities and came through with critical plays whenever Boston College appeared ready to make things interesting.
SMU Establishes Early Lead
The Mustangs got on the scoreboard first when Kendrick Raphael powered into the end zone on a 2-yard touchdown run.
Boston College quickly answered.
Mason McKenzie connected with Evan Dickens on a 43-yard touchdown pass, giving the Eagles an explosive play and putting pressure back on the SMU defense.
The game remained competitive throughout the first half before Jennings put SMU back in front.
The Mustangs quarterback finished a drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, giving SMU a 13-10 advantage heading into halftime.
It wasn’t an overwhelming first half for the Mustangs, but they had the lead and had avoided giving Boston College any extra opportunities.
Jennings Delivers in the Second Half
SMU gradually created more separation after halftime.
Jennings found Roderick Pittman for a 14-yard touchdown in the third quarter, extending the Mustangs’ advantage to 19-10.
Boston College continued to move the football, however, and refused to let SMU turn the game into a runaway.
That forced Jennings and the Mustangs offense to continue answering.
With 4:41 remaining, Jennings connected with Derrick McFall on a 20-yard touchdown pass that gave SMU the cushion it needed.
Jennings finished the afternoon 20-of-30 passing for 160 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
McFall caught three passes for 33 yards and the touchdown, while Jalen Cooper led SMU with five receptions for 45 yards.
Raphael added 45 rushing yards on 15 carries to go with his touchdown.
Boston College Makes One Last Push
The Eagles refused to go away.
With 2:07 remaining, McKenzie found Darius Edgehill for a 6-yard touchdown, cutting into SMU’s advantage and giving Boston College one final opportunity to make the game uncomfortable.
The Eagles attempted a two-point conversion, hoping to make it a one-score game.
The attempt failed.
SMU then recovered the ensuing onside kick, allowing the Mustangs to drain the remaining time and secure the victory.
McKenzie finished with 208 passing yards and two touchdowns. He also led Boston College on the ground with 74 rushing yards.
The Eagles may have won the statistical battle, but SMU won the plays that mattered most.
A Different Kind of SMU Victory
For a team accustomed to producing more offensive fireworks, Saturday’s performance may not have been particularly impressive on paper.
But it could ultimately prove to be one of the more valuable wins of the season.
The Mustangs were outgained by more than 100 yards. They struggled to establish their normal offensive rhythm. Boston College controlled the clock and kept pressure on SMU throughout the afternoon.
Yet SMU never lost control of the game.
The Mustangs protected the football, converted important scoring opportunities and relied on their defense when the offense struggled to generate momentum.
That’s the kind of balance championship-caliber teams need.
SMU didn’t need to dominate Boston College.
It simply needed to make enough plays to win.
And when the final whistle sounded at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, the Mustangs had done exactly that.
At 4-1, SMU leaves the weekend with another victory — and perhaps an important reminder that successful teams have to learn how to win in different ways.
