Eric Boggs 
SMU took control of the ACC on Saturday with their win over Pitt.
No. 20 SMU put on a show in their ACC debut, overpowering the previously undefeated and 18th-ranked Pitt Panthers 48-25 on Saturday night. Brashard Smith led the Mustangs with a stellar performance, racking up 161 rushing yards, including a 71-yard touchdown burst. He also made a highlight-reel tiptoe catch in the end zone for his second touchdown, showcasing his versatility in a game that left Pitt scrambling for answers.
The Mustangs (8-1, 5-0 ACC), fresh from last year’s American Athletic Conference title, made history as the first team to go 5-0 in their debut season in a power conference. They’re now tied with Miami (9-0, 5-0) atop the expanded ACC standings, with both teams eyeing the conference title.
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings had a sharp night, completing 17-of-25 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns. His final pass was an 80-yard bomb to tight end Matthew Hibner, which came immediately after Jonathan McGill’s interception in the end zone. The Mustangs started strong with an opening drive capped by LJ Johnson’s 2-yard touchdown. A few drives later, Roderick Daniels Jr. added to the lead, hurdling a defender on a 3-yard reverse for another score.
Pitt (7-1, 3-1 ACC) entered the game aiming for their first 8-0 start since 1981. However, the Panthers quickly found themselves outmatched. Redshirt freshman quarterback Eli Holstein, returning from an injury, completed 29 of 47 passes for 248 yards but struggled to find rhythm and ended the game with two turnovers. Holstein was pulled from the game midway through the fourth quarter due to the lopsided score.
Pitt’s only early highlight came from kicker Ben Sauls, who made a 44-yard field goal to bring the Panthers within four late in the first quarter. But after Sauls missed a 47-yarder, Smith broke free for his 71-yard touchdown, pushing SMU’s lead to 21-3 and silencing Pitt’s hopes of a comeback.
A scary moment came on the ensuing kickoff when SMU cornerback AJ Davis was injured on a tackle attempt. He was taken off the field in an ambulance but, according to SMU officials, retained full movement.
The Mustangs kept their foot on the gas. A fumble by Holstein on third-and-14 gave SMU another scoring opportunity, which Jennings quickly capitalized on with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Smith. SMU kicker Collin Rogers closed the half with a 50-yard field goal, extending SMU’s lead to 31-3 and adding a bit of taunting toward Pitt’s bench with a “Sharks” hand sign, much to the dismay of Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi.
The second half began poorly for Pitt, who failed a fake punt on their first drive from their own 25-yard line. SMU’s defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs, and Rogers added another field goal, stretching the lead to 34-3.
Though Pitt found the end zone in the third quarter on Desmond Reid’s 1-yard touchdown dive, SMU quickly responded, and Smith scored his second rushing touchdown. Shortly after, Holstein threw an interception due to a miscommunication, which Jennings converted into an 80-yard touchdown to Hibner.
With a commanding 48-11 lead by the fourth quarter, the Mustangs effectively ended the game. Pitt managed two late touchdowns, including Kenny Johnson’s 13-yard score and Malachi Thomas’s first collegiate touchdown, but it was too little, too late.
Pitt will look to rebound at home next week against Virginia, hoping to put this disappointing performance behind them. Meanwhile, SMU continues their impressive ACC run, staying undefeated in conference play.
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