Dallas – The SMU Mustangs continued their ACC surge on Friday night, beating Virginia Tech 51‑28 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Quarterback Kevin Jennings delivered a career‑high performance, completing 24 of 32 passes for 350 yards and four touchdowns, three of which went to wide receiver Yamir Knight, who finished with six catches for 103 yards.
SMU (7‑2, 5‑2 ACC) improved its push toward a conference championship game, marking its second appearance in three seasons since joining the league. The Mustangs remain unbeaten in ACC home contests, now 12‑0 at Ford Stadium.
Key plays and contributors
The Mustangs opened the scoring when running back Dramekco Green burst through the middle for a 12‑yard touchdown run on the first drive. Later, wide receiver Kendrick Raphael added another rushing score.
Midway through the first half, Jennings connected with Knight on a 46‑yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 20‑7 after a forced fumble by edge rusher Marques White set up the score.
SMU’s offense kept the pressure on, stringing together eight consecutive scoring drives – five touchdowns and three field goals – highlighted by a 50‑yard touchdown reception by Jalen Cooper. The streak ended with 5:31 left in the game when Virginia Tech safety Brennan Johnson intercepted a deflected pass.
Virginia Tech response
Virginia Tech (6‑3, 3‑3 ACC) managed 417 total yards and a 123‑yard rushing effort from Jeffrey Overton, who scored twice. Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer completed 28 of 38 passes for 291 yards and a touchdown, but the Hokies could not overcome SMU’s relentless attack.
The Hokies entered the game after an open week and a pair of recent wins, yet the Mustangs’ defensive pressure, including four sacks (two by White), proved decisive.
Looking ahead
SMU will close its regular season at home against Wake Forest on Nov. 14, while Virginia Tech hosts Stanford on the same date. Both programs remain in contention for ACC postseason positioning.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
