The SMU football team recorded its first shutout victory in over a decade with a 42-0 victory over the University of Memphis on Saturday, September 24. The Mustangs improve to 3-1 on the season and are perfect in Conference USA with a 2-0 record.
The Mustangs were never threatened by the Tigers throughout the entire game. SMU scored on its first two drives with running back Zach Line punching it in from the 1-yard line both times. In all, Line rushed for 136 yards and three touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Memphis managed only four first-downs the entire first half of the game. The Tigers made it to the red zone just once all game and ended up turning the ball over on downs.
Quarterback J.J. McDermott continues to gain confidence and poise with each start. The senior quarterback has won all three games he has started and once SMU had established the run game against Memphis, McDermott picked apart the Tigers' secondary all game. He finished with 357 yards and three touchdowns and one interception.
The Mustangs' defense was aggressive and assertive all game. Memphis actually finished with negative yardage on the ground with -14 yards total. The aerial attack for the Tigers was only slightly more efficient; quarterback Taylor Reed completed 17 passes for 153 yards and he was sacked four times.
SMU now faces the most difficult portion of their 2011 schedule, starting with a trip to face in-state rival TCU. The Horned Frogs have the same record as the Mustangs and are currently ranked No. 20 in the nation. After that, SMU will play UCF (2010 C-USA champions), Southern Miss (2010 C-USA East runner up) and Tulsa (2010 C-USA West runner up).
The Mustangs kick off against the Horned Frogs on Saturday, October 1 at 2:30 p.m.