SMU Hosts Syracuse to Open ACC Conference Play

Written By: Marc Henry Via @MustangWire

SMU Hosts Syracuse on Family Weekend

📅 Saturday, October 4, 2025 – 2:30 p.m. CT

📍 Gerald J. Ford Stadium – Dallas, Texas

📺 TV: ACC Network | Radio: The Ticket (KTCK 96.7 FM/1310 AM), Sirius XM 193

📲 Streaming: SMU App (Google Play | Apple App Store)

🔗 Gameday Central | Live Stats | Tickets | Parking | Promotions

📄 SMU Notes | Syracuse Notes | ACC Notes

Setting the Scene

• SMU (2-2, 0-0 ACC) returns from a bye week for Family Weekend.

  
  

• Kevin Jennings is coming off his second 3-TD game of the season vs. TCU (Sept. 20).

  
  

• Yamir Knight posted season highs (5 catches, 69 yards, TD) against the Horned Frogs.

  
  

• TJ Harden led the Mustangs with 87 all-purpose yards vs. TCU, his third straight game with 85+.

Quick Hits

• SMU has won 17 straight regular-season conference games (tied with Oregon for longest active streak).

  
  

• Mustangs average 48.1 PPG in their last 17 home games (15-2 record in that span).

  
  

• Defense ranks among the nation’s best:

  
  

  • 4th – Defensive TDs (2)

  • 7th – Turnovers gained (9)

  • 9th – Interceptions (6)

  • 8th – Fumbles recovered (3)

  • 13th – Red zone defense (.688)

    
    

• Pass Rush Threats: Jeffrey M’ba & Cameron Robertson (3 sacks each, T-3rd ACC).

  
  

• Romello Brinson: 2nd in ACC in receiving yards per game (91.3).

  
  

• Kevin Jennings: On multiple national award watch lists (Maxwell, O’Brien, Unitas, Manning).

  
  

• Isaiah Nwokobia: Preseason All-America safety, on Thorpe, Nagurski, Bednarik watch lists.

The Series

• Only the second meeting between SMU and Syracuse.

  
  

• First matchup came in 1932, SMU won 16–6.

Scouting Syracuse (3-2, 1-1 ACC)

• Finished 10-3 in 2024 (5-3 ACC).

  
  

• Enter this matchup 3-2 (1-1 ACC).

  
  

• Coming off a 38-3 loss to Duke on Sept. 27.

SMU’s Conference Streak (17 Games)

• Runs from Nov. 26, 2022 vs. Memphis through Nov. 30, 2024 vs. Cal.

  
  

• Notable wins include Florida State (42-16, 2024), Louisville (34-27, 2024), and Duke (28-27 OT, 2024).

Ford Stadium Fireworks

• SMU has scored 818 points in its last 17 home games.

  
  

• 13 of 21 home games under Rhett Lashlee have seen SMU score 40+, going 12-1 in those contests.

I Wanna Go Fast

• SMU has seven TD drives under 2 minutes this season.

  
  

• Have had multiple quick-strike drives in 3 of 4 games this year.

  
  

 Storyline to Watch: Can SMU extend its 17-game ACC regular-season win streak against a Syracuse team still searching for rhythm after its setback vs. Duke?