In front of a lively home crowd, SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings delivered a stellar performance, completing 24 of 32 passes for 350 yards and four touchdowns. His connection with wide receiver Yamir Knight was especially lethal, as Knight hauled in three scores, including a 46‑yard strike before halftime.
Offensive fireworks fuel a 51‑28 win
The Mustangs (7‑2, 5‑2 ACC) amassed a season‑high 569 total yards, the most Virginia Tech has ever allowed in a single game under coach James Franklin. SMU scored on each of its first eight drives, showcasing a balanced attack that featured both the passing and rushing games.
Running back Jeffrey Overton contributed 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns for the Hokies, but SMU’s relentless offense kept the pressure on. After a 30‑27 loss at Syracuse, the Mustangs rebounded with seven consecutive scoring drives, highlighted by a 12‑yard touchdown run by Dramekco Green to cap the opening series.
Key plays and defensive highlights
Midway through the first half, SMU extended its lead to 20‑7 when Jennings found Knight streaking down the sideline for a 46‑yard touchdown. The play came moments after edge rusher Marques White forced a fumble from Virginia Tech quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, recovering the ball himself.
White also recorded two of the four sacks credited to the Mustangs, contributing to the team’s total of 151 sacks since the start of 2023 – the most by any FBS program in that span.
In the second half, Jennings and Knight continued their rapport, linking for 13‑ and 5‑yard touchdown passes. Wide receiver Jalen Cooper added a 50‑yard touchdown reception, while former SMU soccer player Brendan Baird kicked three field goals (47, 26 and 50 yards) as part of the eight‑drive scoring streak.
Virginia Tech’s effort
The Hokies managed 417 total yards and a respectable 123 rushing yards, but their defense could not contain SMU’s relentless attack. A late interception by safety Brennan Johnson halted SMU’s final drive with 5:31 left in the game.
Virginia Tech will host Stanford on Nov. 14, while SMU’s home finale also falls on Nov. 14 against Wake Forest, a matchup that could further shape the ACC standings.
Implications for the ACC race
SMU’s victory keeps them in contention for the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game, a goal they have pursued for the second time in three seasons since joining the league. Their ACC home record now stands at 12‑0, underscoring the team’s dominance on its own turf.
The only teams ahead of SMU in the league standings are No. 1 Miami (8‑0, 5‑0) and No. 14 Wake Forest (7‑1, 5‑1). Wake Forest visits SMU next week, offering another chance for the Mustangs to climb the conference ladder.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
