In the post-Death Penalty era, the SMU football has only ever beaten a top-25 team twice. The first time was against TCU in 2005 when the Horned Frogs were still flying high after beating the Oklahoma Sooners on the road in Norman. And the second time came this past Saturday in a thrilling game that went into overtime before the Mustangs eked out a 40-33 win over the same Horned Frogs.
SMU (4-1) is off to its best start since 1986 when it started the season 5-1 and the critics have noticed. In the most recent polls, the Mustangs actually received five votes in the AP poll and 10 points in the Coaches poll; overall, SMU is ranked No. 34 in the nation. On the flip side, TCU (3-2) fell out of the top-25 for the first time in three years.
Quarterback J.J. McDermott, since taking over for last year’s starter Kyle Padron, has shown remarkable growth. The senior is undefeated in his four starts and has now eclipsed 300 yards passing in three straight games. He has also thrown for at least three touchdowns in the past two games, alleviating some of the scoring burden off of running back Zach Line.
In fact, Saturday’s game was the first one this season that Line didn’t rush for a touchdown. He came into the game ranked No. 2 in the nation in rushing touchdowns with 11. However, he was still a force on the ground, grinding out 120 yards on 21 carries. However, his biggest contribution was on special teams: on the kickoff to begin the second half, Line tackled TCU kickoff returner Greg McCoy and forced a fumble that teammate Chris Parks recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. The play swung momentum back in the Mustangs’ favor and gave the team a 24-10 lead.
One of the biggest concerns for SMU coming into the game was the absence of leading receiver Cole Beasley. However, McDermott and wide receivers Darius Johnson, Terrance Wilkerson and Jeremy Johnson easily picked up the slack. Darius Johnson led the team with 12 catches for 152 yards and two touchdowns. Wilkerson got the Mustangs rolling early with a 71-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter to put SMU up 14-0. And Jeremy Johnson’s first touchdown of the season is one he’ll always remember: a 19-yard touchdown reception in overtime that proved to be the game winner. McDermott threw for 349 yards and four touchdowns and was named Rivals.com Conference USA Player of the Week.
The Mustangs have a bye week, which they will use to recuperate, study film and savor their hard fought victory. The road doesn’t get easier for the SMU though. They’re next game is against defending C-USA champions Central Florida on Saturday, October 15. Kickoff is at 2:30.
All photos courtesy of Rob Graham.