SMU quarterback J.J. McDermott will try to maintain his undefeated record this Saturday when the SMU (1-1) plays host to Northwestern State University (1-1). McDermott, a senior, started his first game last week and propelled SMU to a 28-17 victory over Conference USA foe UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso). 

McDermott completed 18 passes for 244 yards. Running back Zach Line was his usual, dominant self with 114 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Quarterback Kyle Padron, who was replaced by McDermott after a poor showing in the season opener at Texas A&M, also ran in a touchdown.

The SMU defense, led by junior Ja’Gared Davis, was able to lockdown the Miners’ offense for a majority of the game and sealed the victory with a defensive touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Davis was the spark plug for the Mustangs with eight tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a touchdown. For his efforts, he was named C-USA Defensive Player of the Week, as well as Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week.

Northwestern State won their first game of the season against Delta State but were thrashed last week by No. 2 LSU at home. The Demons have a limited running game but they do have an efficient quarterback in Brad Henderson, who has completed 72.5-percent of his passes this season for 284 yards. Their running back, Rumeall Morris, leads the team with a total of 47 yards on the ground for the season.

The Mustangs kickoff against the Demons at 7:00 p.m. There will be lots of spectators due to the Family Weekend, so be sure to get there early to avoid the rush.