2023_SMU_Mustangs_football_team
2023 SMU Mustangs football team
American college football season
The 2023 SMU Mustangs football team represented Southern Methodist University in the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Mustangs played their home games at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park, Texas, a separate city within the city limits of Dallas, and competed in the American Athletic Conference (The American). They were led by second-year head coach Rhett Lashlee.
Quick Facts SMU Mustangs football, AAC champion ...
| 2023 SMU Mustangs football | |
|---|---|
 | |
AAC champion | |
AAC Championship Game, W 26–14 vs. Tulane | |
Fenway Bowl, L 14–23 vs. Boston College | |
| Conference | American Athletic Conference |
| Ranking | |
| Coaches | No. 24 |
| AP | No. 22 |
| Record | 11–3 (8–0 AAC) |
| Head coach |
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| Offensive coordinator | Casey Woods (2nd season) |
| Co-offensive coordinator | Jonathan Brewer (1st season) |
| Co-offensive coordinator | Rob Likens (1st season) |
| Offensive scheme | Spread |
| Defensive coordinator | Scott Symons (2nd season) |
| Base defense | Multiple 3–4 |
| Home stadium | Gerald J. Ford Stadium |
Uniform | |
 | |
Seasons | |
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More information Conf, Overall ...
| Conf | Overall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Team | W | L | W | L | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No. 22 SMU y$ | 8 | – | 0 | 11 | – | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tulane y | 8 | – | 0 | 11 | – | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| UTSA | 7 | – | 1 | 9 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Memphis | 6 | – | 2 | 10 | – | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| South Florida | 4 | – | 4 | 7 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rice | 4 | – | 4 | 6 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Navy | 4 | – | 4 | 5 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| North Texas | 3 | – | 5 | 5 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| UAB | 3 | – | 5 | 4 | – | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Florida Atlantic | 3 | – | 5 | 4 | – | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Charlotte | 2 | – | 6 | 3 | – | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tulsa | 2 | – | 6 | 4 | – | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Temple | 1 | – | 7 | 3 | – | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| East Carolina | 1 | – | 7 | 2 | – | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Championship: SMU 26, Tulane 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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For the first time since 2019, the Mustanges won six conference games. The Mustangs finished the regular season going 8–0 in conference play to qualify for the AAC Championship Game, for the Mustangs' first appearance in a conference championship game since the 2010 CUSA Championship Game. SMU defeated Tulane 26–14 in the title game for the program's first conference title since 1984 when the Mustangs won a share of the Southwest Conference title.[1] After defeating Tulane, SMU accepted a bid to compete in the 2023 Fenway Bowl against Boston College. In the final CFP rankings, SMU fell one spot behind undefeated C-USA champion Liberty University, narrowly missing the opportunity to play in the Fiesta Bowl against Oregon on New Year's Day.[2][3][4]
This was SMU's final season in the American before they moved to the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2024.[5]
Media poll
The American Athletic Conference preseason poll was released on July 25. The Mustangs were predicted to finish third in the conference.[6]
More information Predicted finish, Team ...
| Media poll | ||
| Predicted finish | Team | Votes (1st place) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tulane | 457 (20) |
| 2 | UTSA | 440 (9) |
| 3 | SMU | 397 (3) |
| 4 | Memphis | 362 (1) |
| 5 | Florida Atlantic | 312 |
| 6 | East Carolina | 303 |
| 7 | North Texas | 261 |
| 8 | UAB | 209 (1) |
| 9 | Navy | 199 |
| 10 | Temple | 182 |
| 11 | Tulsa | 160 |
| 12 | Rice | 138 |
| 13 | South Florida | 86 |
| 14 | Charlotte | 64 |
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SMU and the American Athletic Conference (AAC) announced the 2023 football schedule on February 21, 2023.[7] The Mustangs' regular season schedule consists of six home games and six away games.
SMU will play three of the six new conference members, hosting Charlotte and North Texas and will travel to Rice. Additionally, SMU will host AAC foes Tulsa and Navy and travel to East Carolina, Temple, and Memphis.
For non-conference play, SMU will host Louisiana Tech from Conference USA and FCS Prairie View A&M from the Southwestern Athletic Conference and travel to Oklahoma and TCU, both from the Big 12 Conference.
More information Date, Time ...
| Date | Time | Opponent | Rank | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2 | 11:00 a.m. | Louisiana Tech* | ESPNU | W 38–14 | 21,490 | ||
| September 9 | 5:00 p.m. | at No. 18 Oklahoma* | ESPN+ | L 11–28 | 84,186 | ||
| September 16 | 6:00 p.m. | Prairie View A&M* |
| ESPN+ | W 69–0 | 24,489 | |
| September 23 | 11:00 a.m. | at TCU* | FS1 | L 17–34 | 51,243 | ||
| September 30 | 6:30 p.m. | Charlotte |
| ESPNU | W 34–16 | 25,385 | |
| October 12 | 6:30 p.m. | at East Carolina | ESPN | W 31–10 | 33,444 | ||
| October 20 | 6:00 p.m. | at Temple | ESPN | W 55–0 | 11,232 | ||
| October 28 | 11:00 a.m. | Tulsa |
| ESPNU | W 69–10 | 20,800 | |
| November 4 | 6:30 p.m. | at Rice | ESPNU | W 36–31 | 21,632 | ||
| November 10 | 8:00 p.m. | North Texas |
| ESPN2 | W 45–21 | 22,043 | |
| November 18 | 11:00 a.m. | at Memphis | ESPN2 | W 38–34 | 30,313 | ||
| November 25 | 11:00 a.m. | Navy |
| ESPN2 | W 59–14 | 21,490 | |
| December 2 | 4:00 p.m. | at No. 22 Tulane | ABC | W 26–14 | 25,206 | ||
| December 28 | 10:00 a.m. | vs. Boston College | No. 24 | ESPN | L 14–23 | 16,238 | |
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Further information: 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings
More information Players, Coaches ...
| 2023 SMU Mustangs football team roster | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Players | Coaches | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Louisiana Tech
More information Period, Total ...
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulldogs | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
| Mustangs | 14 | 17 | 0 | 7 | 38 |
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More information Game information ...
| Game information |
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Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at SMU Mustangs – Game summary
at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas
- Date: September 2
- Game time: 11:00 a.m. CDT
- Game weather: Sunny, 86 °F (30 °C)
- Game attendance: 21,490
- Referee: Tim Rich
- TV announcers (ESPNU): Brian Custer, Rod Gilmore, and Lauren Sisler
- Box score, Recap
More information Statistics, LT ...
| Statistics | LT | SMU |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 11 | 24 |
| Total yards | 269 | 457 |
| Rushing yards | 28 | 209 |
| Passing yards | 241 | 248 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Time of possession | 26:03 | 33:57 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Tech | Passing | Hank Bachmeier | 21/33, 241 yards, TD, INT |
| Rushing | Charvis Thornton | 8 rushes, 24 yards | |
| Receiving | Koby Duru | 3 receptions, 55 yards, TD | |
| SMU | Passing | Preston Stone | 23/37, 248 yards, 3 TD |
| Rushing | L. J. Johnson Jr. | 14 rushes, 128 yards, TD | |
| Receiving | Jordan Hudson | 2 receptions, 72 yards, TD |
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SMU opened the season by defeating Louisiana Tech 38–14. The previous day, SMU had announced that it would join the Atlantic Coast Conference starting in the 2024 season.[8]
At No. 18 Oklahoma
See also: 2023 Oklahoma Sooners football team
More information Period, Total ...
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustangs | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 11 |
| No. 18 Sooners | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 28 |
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More information Game information ...
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SMU Mustangs at No. 18 Oklahoma Sooners – Game summary
at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma
More information Statistics, SMU ...
| Statistics | SMU | OU |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 21 | 22 |
| Total yards | 367 | 365 |
| Rushing yards | 117 | 189 |
| Passing yards | 250 | 176 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Time of possession | 32:20 | 27:40 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMU | Passing | Preston Stone | 26/45, 250 yards, TD, INT |
| Rushing | Jaylan Knighton | 15 rushes, 76 yards | |
| Receiving | Jake Bailey | 7 receptions, 73 yards | |
| Oklahoma | Passing | Dillon Gabriel | 19/27, 176 yards, 4 TD |
| Rushing | Tawee Walker | 21 rushes, 117 yards | |
| Receiving | Andrel Anthony | 7 receptions, 76 yards, TD |
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During the 2022 season, SMU signed a contract with the University of Oklahoma to play a two game series non-conference series, which would consist of one home game for each team in the 2023 and 2027 series.[9] The Sooners defeated SMU 28–11 in Norman.[10]
Prairie View A&M
More information Period, Total ...
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mustangs | 14 | 28 | 21 | 6 | 69 |
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More information Game information ...
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Prairie View A&M Panthers at SMU Mustangs – Game summary
at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas
- Date: September 16
- Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: Cloudy, 80 °F (27 °C)
- Game attendance: 24,489
- Referee: Scott Hardin
- TV announcers (ESPN+): Ted Emrich and Stanford Routt
- Box score, Recap
More information Statistics, PV ...
| Statistics | PV | SMU |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 10 | 28 |
| Total yards | 156 | 566 |
| Rushing yards | 94 | 177 |
| Passing yards | 62 | 389 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 34:14 | 25:46 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie View A&M | Passing | Trazon Connley | 6/14, 51 yards |
| Rushing | Ronald Young Jr. | 7 rushes, 32 yards | |
| Receiving | Khristopher Simmons | 3 receptions, 25 yards | |
| SMU | Passing | Preston Stone | 15/20, 300 yards, 5 TD, INT |
| Rushing | Camar Wheaton | 16 rushes, 75 yards, TD | |
| Receiving | Roderick Daniels Jr. | 3 receptions, 96 yards, TD |
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At TCU
See also: 2023 TCU Horned Frogs football team
More information Period, Total ...
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustangs | 3 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
| Horned Frogs | 7 | 7 | 13 | 7 | 34 |
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More information Game information ...
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SMU Mustangs at TCU Horned Frogs – Game summary
at Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas
- Date: September 23
- Game time: 11:00 a.m. CDT
- Game weather: Sunny, 89 °F (32 °C)
- Game attendance: 51,243
- Referee: Nate Black
- TV announcers (FS1): Eric Collins and Devin Gardner
- Box score, Recap
More information Statistics, SMU ...
| Statistics | SMU | TCU |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 21 | 25 |
| Total yards | 416 | 457 |
| Rushing yards | 158 | 192 |
| Passing yards | 258 | 265 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Time of possession | 30:12 | 29:48 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMU | Passing | Preston Stone | 16/35, 258 yards, 2 INT |
| Rushing | Camar Wheaton | 16 rushes, 73 yards, TD | |
| Receiving | Jordan Kerley | 1 reception, 51 yards | |
| TCU | Passing | Chandler Morris | 23/32, 261 yards, 3 TD |
| Rushing | Emani Bailey | 25 rushes, 126 yards, TD | |
| Receiving | Chase Curtis | 2 receptions, 55 yards, TD |
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Prior to the start of the 2023 season, TCU announced it was indefinitely suspending the Battle for the Iron Skillet after the 2025 season. TCU defeated SMU 34–17.[11]
Charlotte
See also: 2023 Charlotte 49ers football team
More information Period, Total ...
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49ers | 0 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 16 |
| Mustangs | 14 | 3 | 10 | 7 | 34 |
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More information Game information ...
| Game information |
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Charlotte 49ers at SMU Mustangs – Game summary
at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas
- Date: September 30
- Game time: 6:30 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: Sunny, 92 °F (33 °C)
- Game attendance: 25,385
- Referee: Kevin Randall
- TV announcers (ESPNU): John Schriffen, Rocky Boiman, and Dawn Davenport
- Box score, Recap
More information Statistics, CLT ...
| Statistics | CLT | SMU |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 23 | 19 |
| Total yards | 331 | 363 |
| Rushing yards | 167 | 228 |
| Passing yards | 164 | 135 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 35:25 | 24:35 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | Passing | Trexler Ivey | 10/17, 107 yards, TD, INT |
| Rushing | Terron Kellman | 9 rushes, 69 yards | |
| Receiving | Jack Hestera | 7 receptions, 81 yards, TD | |
| SMU | Passing | Preston Stone | 14/23, 135 yards, 2 TD, INT |
| Rushing | Jaylan Knighton | 11 rushes, 150 yards, 2 TD | |
| Receiving | Jake Bailey | 3 receptions, 34 yards |
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SMU defeated Charlotte 34–16. Former President George W. Bush attended the game and participated in the coin toss.[12]
At East Carolina
See also: 2023 East Carolina Pirates football team
More information Period, Total ...
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustangs | 14 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 31 |
| Pirates | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
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More information Game information ...
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SMU Mustangs at East Carolina Panthers – Game summary
at Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, North Carolina
- Date: October 12
- Game time: 6:30 p.m. CDT/7:30 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: Cloudy, 62 °F (17 °C)
- Game attendance: 33,444
- Referee: Luke Richmond
- TV announcers (ESPN): Matt Barrie, Dan Mullen, and Harry Lyles Jr.
- Box score, Recap
More information Statistics, SMU ...
| Statistics | SMU | ECU |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 14 | 15 |
| Total yards | 333 | 290 |
| Rushing yards | 57 | 97 |
| Passing yards | 276 | 193 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Time of possession | 25:40 | 34:20 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMU | Passing | Preston Stone | 19/38, 276 yards, 3 TD |
| Rushing | Jaylan Knighton | 11 rushes, 26 yards | |
| Receiving | Jordan Kerley | 3 receptions, 69 yards | |
| East Carolina | Passing | Mason Garcia | 12/26, 155 yards |
| Rushing | Mason Garcia | 12 rushes, 38 yards, TD | |
| Receiving | Chase Sowell | 7 receptions, 120 yards |
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At Temple
See also: 2023 Temple Owls football team
More information Period, Total ...
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustangs | 14 | 10 | 17 | 14 | 55 |
| Owls | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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More information Game information ...
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SMU Mustangs at Temple Owls – Game summary
at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Date: October 20
- Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT/7:00 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: Sunny, 63 °F (17 °C)
- Game attendance: 11,232
- Referee: Tim Rich
- TV announcers (ESPN): Anish Shroff, Andre Ware, and Paul Carcaterra
- Box score, Recap
More information Statistics, SMU ...
| Statistics | SMU | TEM |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 36 | 12 |
| Total yards | 563 | 131 |
| Rushing yards | 205 | 24 |
| Passing yards | 358 | 107 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 35:02 | 24:58 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMU | Passing | Preston Stone | 23/36, 300 yards, 2 TD |
| Rushing | Jaylan Knighton | 15 rushes, 64 yards, TD | |
| Receiving | Romello Brinson | 5 receptions, 87 yards | |
| Temple | Passing | Forrest Brock | 7/15, 60 yards, INT |
| Rushing | Joquez Smith | 4 rushes, 19 yards | |
| Receiving | Zae Baines | 2 receptions, 27 yards |
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Tulsa
More information Period, Total ...
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Hurricane | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Mustangs | 28 | 24 | 14 | 3 | 69 |
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More information Game information ...
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Tulsa Golden Hurricane at SMU Mustangs – Game summary
at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas
More information Statistics, TLSA ...
| Statistics | TLSA | SMU |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 14 | 26 |
| Total yards | 247 | 638 |
| Rushing yards | 123 | 192 |
| Passing yards | 124 | 446 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Time of possession | 30:13 | 29:47 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulsa | Passing | Braylon Braxton | 10/20, 92 yards, 2 INT |
| Rushing | Anthony Watkins | 15 rushes, 50 yards | |
| Receiving | Devan Williams | 3 receptions, 57 yards | |
| SMU | Passing | Preston Stone | 15/20, 371 yards, 3 TD |
| Rushing | Camar Wheaton | 9 rushes, 80 yards, 2 TD | |
| Receiving | RJ Maryland | 2 receptions, 95 yards, TD |
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SMU defeated Tulsa 69–10, attaining bowl eligibility. They scored over 50 points in the first half, doing so for the first time since their 77–63 victory over Houston the previous season.[13]
At Rice
See also: 2023 Rice Owls football team
More information Period, Total ...
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustangs | 14 | 10 | 9 | 3 | 36 |
| Owls | 7 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 31 |
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More information Game information ...
| Game information |
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SMU Mustangs at Rice Owls – Game summary
at Rice Stadium, Houston, Texas
- Date: November 4
- Game time: 6:30 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: Sunny, 75 °F (24 °C)
- Game attendance: 21,632
- Referee: Scott Hardin
- TV announcers (ESPNU): John Schriffen, Charles Arbuckle, and Dawn Davenport
- Box score, Recap
More information Statistics, SMU ...
| Statistics | SMU | RICE |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 28 | 13 |
| Total yards | 477 | 290 |
| Rushing yards | 223 | 124 |
| Passing yards | 254 | 166 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 3 |
| Time of possession | 31:31 | 28:29 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMU | Passing | Preston Stone | 15/28, 217 yards, 2 TD |
| Rushing | Preston Stone | 8 rushes, 81 yards, TD | |
| Receiving | Jake Bailey | 4 receptions, 73 yards | |
| Rice | Passing | Chase Jenkins | 10/16, 85 yards, INT |
| Rushing | Dean Connors | 7 rushes, 77 yards, TD | |
| Receiving | Rawson MacNeill | 2 receptions, 68 yards |
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SMU defeated Rice 36–31, winning the Mayor's Cup. SMU quarterback Preston Stone and Rice quarterback JT Daniels both suffered from concussions during the game. Stone's concussion put his start against UNT the next week into question, while Daniels did not play again for the rest of the season, announcing his retirement after its conclusion.[14][15]
North Texas
More information Period, Total ...
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Green | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
| Mustangs | 14 | 3 | 14 | 14 | 45 |
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North Texas Mean Green at SMU Mustangs – Game summary
at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas
More information Statistics, UNT ...
| Statistics | UNT | SMU |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 18 | 28 |
| Total yards | 372 | 552 |
| Rushing yards | 132 | 318 |
| Passing yards | 240 | 234 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 26:34 | 33:26 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Texas | Passing | Chandler Rogers | 18/31, 240 yards, 2 TD, INT |
| Rushing | Oscar Adaway III | 11 rushes, 90 yards, TD | |
| Receiving | Trey Cleveland | 3 receptions, 72 yards, TD | |
| SMU | Passing | Preston Stone | 11/20, 234 yards, 2 TD, INT |
| Rushing | Jaylan Knighton | 17 rushes, 129 yards, TD | |
| Receiving | Moochie Dixon | 3 receptions, 99 yards, TD |
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Quarterback Stone cleared concussion protocol prior to the game against UNT,[16] allowing him to lead the team to a 45–21 victory in the Safeway Bowl.[17]
At Memphis
See also: 2023 Memphis Tigers football team
More information Period, Total ...
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustangs | 7 | 7 | 14 | 10 | 38 |
| Tigers | 10 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 34 |
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SMU Mustangs at Memphis Tigers – Game summary
at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee
- Date: November 18
- Game time: 11:00 a.m. CST
- Game weather: Sunny, 55 °F (13 °C)
- Game attendance: 30,313
- Referee: Luke Richmond
- TV announcers (ESPN2): Beth Mowins, Kirk Morrison, and Stormy Buonantony
- Box score, Recap
More information Statistics, SMU ...
| Statistics | SMU | MEM |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 23 | 24 |
| Total yards | 444 | 464 |
| Rushing yards | 158 | 62 |
| Passing yards | 286 | 402 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 28:10 | 31:50 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMU | Passing | Preston Stone | 15/23, 286 yards, 2 TD |
| Rushing | L. J. Johnson Jr. | 21 rushes, 115 yards, TD | |
| Receiving | Keyshawn Smith | 3 receptions, 63 yards | |
| Memphis | Passing | Seth Henigan | 35/51, 402 yards, 2 TD |
| Rushing | Blake Watson | 10 rushes, 41 yards, TD | |
| Receiving | Roc Taylor | 8 receptions, 146 yards |
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Both SMU and Memphis were undefeated in conference play prior to the game, meaning the loser would likely be eliminated from contention to play in the conference championship.[18] SMU defeated Memphis 38–34.
Navy
See also: 2023 Navy Midshipmen football team
More information Period, Total ...
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midshipmen | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Mustangs | 28 | 24 | 7 | 0 | 59 |
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More information Statistics, NAVY ...
| Statistics | NAVY | SMU |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 14 | 21 |
| Total yards | 253 | 487 |
| Rushing yards | 182 | 118 |
| Passing yards | 71 | 369 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 32:04 | 27:56 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navy | Passing | Braxton Woodson | 9/18, 71 yards, INT |
| Rushing | Braxton Woodson | 18 rushes, 104 yards, TD | |
| Receiving | Alex Tecza | 3 receptions, 34 yards | |
| SMU | Passing | Preston Stone | 14/19, 322 yards, 3 TD |
| Rushing | Tyler Lavine | 7 rushes, 49 yards, 3 TD | |
| Receiving | Moochie Dixon | 4 receptions, 125 yards, 2 TD |
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SMU defeated Navy 59–14 to win the Gansz Trophy and guarantee a spot in the conference championship game. SMU scored over 50 points in the first half, and quarterback Preston Stone threw for the most yards in the first quarter of an FBS game since 2019, but he suffered a broken leg late in the first half, leaving him unable to play for the rest of the season.[19][20]
At No. 22 Tulane (AAC Championship Game)
See also: 2023 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game and 2023 Tulane Green Wave football team
More information Period, Total ...
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustangs | 7 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 26 |
| No. 22 Green Wave | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
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SMU Mustangs at No. 22 Tulane Green Wave (AAC Championship Game) – Game summary
More information Statistics, SMU ...
| Statistics | SMU | TULN |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 21 | 12 |
| Total yards | 396 | 269 |
| Rushing yards | 193 | 31 |
| Passing yards | 203 | 238 |
| Turnovers | 3 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 34:07 | 25:53 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMU | Passing | Kevin Jennings | 19/33, 203 yards, TD, 2 INT |
| Rushing | Jaylan Knighton | 15 rushes, 75 yards, TD | |
| Receiving | R. J. Maryland | 5 receptions, 56 yards | |
| Tulane | Passing | Michael Pratt | 21/36, 238 yards, TD, INT |
| Rushing | Makhi Hughes | 11 rushes, 44 yards | |
| Receiving | Yulkieth Brown | 5 receptions, 90 yards, TD |
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Backup quarterback Kevin Jennings made his first career start against Tulane in the championship game. On the first play of the game, Jennings fumbled the ball, allowing Tulane to return it to the 1-yard line and score immediately afterwards. Despite this and two interceptions, SMU led Tulane 14–7 at the end of the first half thanks to its strong defense, which forced Tulane to punt the ball nine times over the course of the game. In the second half, Jennings continued to lead SMU down the field, allowing kicker Collin Rogers to score four field goals. Near the end of the fourth quarter, safety Isaiah Nwokobia intercepted the ball to seal SMU's 26–14 victory over Tulane, winning SMU its first conference championship since 1984.[21][22] After the game, Nwokobia was awarded the Most Outstanding Player award, becoming the first defensive player to win such an award in an AAC title game.[23]
Vs. Boston College (Fenway Bowl)
See also: 2023 Fenway Bowl and 2023 Boston College Eagles football team
More information Period, Total ...
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 24 Mustangs | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Eagles | 3 | 7 | 0 | 13 | 23 |
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No. 24 SMU Mustangs vs. Boston College Eagles (Fenway Bowl) – Game summary
at Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
- Date: December 28
- Game time: 10:00 a.m. CST/11:00 a.m. EST a.m.
- Game weather: Rain, 45 °F (7 °C)
- Game attendance: 16,238
- Referee: Kevin Mar
- TV announcers (ESPN): Chris Cotter, Mark Herzlich, and Sherree Burruss
- Box score, Recap
More information Statistics, SMU ...
| Statistics | SMU | BC |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 22 | 20 |
| Total yards | 309 | 364 |
| Rushing yards | 118 | 262 |
| Passing yards | 191 | 102 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 29:00 | 31:00 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMU | Passing | Kevin Jennings | 24/48, 191 yards, TD |
| Rushing | Kevin Jennings | 10 rushes, 51 yards | |
| Receiving | Jake Bailey | 6 receptions, 54 yards | |
| Boston College | Passing | Thomas Castellanos | 11/18, 102 yards, INT |
| Rushing | Thomas Castellanos | 21 rushes, 156 yards, 2 TD | |
| Receiving | Jaeden Skeete | 2 receptions, 40 yards |
Close
- Stevenson, Stefan (December 2, 2023). "SMU asserts dominance over Tulane, secures first conference championship win in 39 years". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
- "SMU snubbed from New Year's Six matchup, will head to Fenway Bowl instead". Dallas News. December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- "AAC Commissioner objects to SMU's exclusion from New Year's Day bowls". wfaa.com. December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- Hodges, Andy (December 3, 2023). "Committee Wrong Again: SMU on Receiving End This Time". Sports Illustrated Inside the Mustangs News, Analysis and More. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- Dodd, Dennis (September 1, 2023). "Stanford, Cal, SMU join ACC: Conference membership growing to 18 schools as latest realignment domino falls". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
- "Tulane is the Favorite in 2023 American Preseason Media Poll". American Athletic Conference. July 25, 2023. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
- "2023 SMU Football Schedule". FBSchedules. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
- Stevenson, Stefan (September 2, 2023). "SMU opens Preston Stone era with convincing win over Louisiana Tech a day after ACC invite". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- Hoyt, Joseph (September 14, 2022). "SMU, Oklahoma announce football home-and-home series". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- Stevenson, Stefan (September 10, 2023). "SMU gives Sooners a scare before Oklahoma pulls away in fourth quarter". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- Livengood, Paul (September 23, 2023). "TCU QB Chandler Morris slings 3 TDs in 'Iron Skillet' win over SMU Mustangs". wfaa.com. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- "Photos: George W. and Laura Bush take part in coin toss before SMU's AAC opener vs. Charlotte". Dallas News. October 1, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- McKenna, Greg (October 28, 2023). "SMU blows away Golden Hurricane to become bowl eligible for fifth straight season". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- Stevenson, Stefan (November 9, 2023). "If Preston Stone can't start vs. UNT, SMU's confident in South Oak Cliff QB Kevin Jennings". Dallas News. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
- Thamel, Pete (December 1, 2023). "Rice QB Daniels, citing concussion issues, retires". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- "SMU quarterback Preston Stone clears concussion protocol, will start vs. North Texas". Dallas News. November 11, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- "SMU 45-21 North Texas (Nov 10, 2023) Game Recap". ESPN. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- Stevenson, Stefan (November 17, 2023). "SMU prediction: Mustangs' road to AAC championship runs through Memphis". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- Stevenson, Stefan (November 25, 2023). "SMU QB Preston Stone exits vs. Navy after suffering leg injury". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- Stevenson, Stefan (November 28, 2023). "SMU QB Preston Stone out for rest of season with broken left leg". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- Martel, Brett (December 3, 2023). "Jennings, dominant defense carry No. 25 SMU to AAC title, 26-14 over Tulane". AP News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- Londergan, Joe (December 3, 2023). "SMU Upset Tulane In AAC Championship Game". Sports Illustrated G5 Football Daily News, Analysis and More. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- Stevenson, Stefan (December 3, 2023). "SMU asserts dominance over Tulane, secures first conference championship win in 39 years". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.