The SMU Mustangs (2–2, 0–0 ACC) return from a bye week with fresh legs and a clear mission: protect home turf and set the tone for their first season in the ACC. Standing in the way is Syracuse (3–2, 1–1 ACC), a team reeling from a humbling loss to Duke and adjusting to a significant shakeup at quarterback.
The Orange were dealt a harsh blow when starter Steve Angeli suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. That leaves the offense in the hands of Rickie Collins, who showed flashes in his first start with 229 passing yards but struggled to sustain drives as Syracuse fell flat in all phases. Complicating matters further, the Orange have struggled to establish a consistent run game, making their attack easier to defend against aggressive defenses.
That’s good news for SMU’s front seven, which has an opportunity to control the line of scrimmage and dictate tempo. If the Mustangs can stuff the run early and force Collins into long passing downs, they’ll have a chance to turn up the pressure and capitalize on mistakes. Limiting explosive plays will be key, as Syracuse’s best path to staying competitive is through chunk gains in the passing game.
Offensively, SMU boasts more balance than its opposing teams. Quarterback Kevin Jennings has the arm to stretch the field and the weapons to make defenses pay, including Romello Brinson and Jalen Cooper on the outside. On the ground, T.J. Harden provides steady production and forces defenses to respect play-action. For Jennings, the challenge is clear: reduce turnovers. His five interceptions so far this season have stalled drives and kept opposing teams alive. If he stays composed and trusts his offensive line—anchored by reliable veterans like Logan Parr—SMU should have no trouble moving the ball.
Special teams and discipline could provide the hidden edge. In a game where SMU is the deeper and more talented roster, penalties, field position, and mental mistakes are often the difference between a comfortable win and a tense fourth quarter.
Prediction: Expect Syracuse to bring energy early, but SMU has the firepower and balance to take control as the game progresses. With their offensive depth and a defense capable of dictating the trenches, the Mustangs are well-positioned to secure their first ACC victory in Dallas.
Projected Score: SMU 34, Syracuse 21.
With a chance to set the tone in their new conference, the Mustangs are primed to make a statement and show the ACC that SMU football is here to stay.