Eric Boggs 
BYU won a big non-conference road game over the ACC's SMU.
In a hard-fought non-conference Power Five matchup, BYU edged SMU 18-15 on Friday night, marking their second win of the 2024 season. This victory not only kept BYU’s perfect 5-0 series record against SMU intact but also snapped the Mustangs’ nine-game home winning streak.
Both teams came into the game undefeated, with BYU having defeated Southern Illinois 41-13 in its season opener and SMU riding high after wins over Nevada and Houston Christian. Many saw SMU as the clear favorite, given their potent offense and home-field advantage. However, the Cougars managed to grind out a victory in a game defined by strong defensive play and critical fourth-quarter moments.
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who had thrown for 348 yards in his previous outing, faced a tougher challenge this time, but his resilience helped set the stage for a thrilling finish. The Cougars trailed 9-7 at halftime after kicker Will Ferrin missed a 55-yard attempt. However, BYU’s defense held firm, and key offensive plays kept them in the game.
The turning point came late in the game when BYU, down 12-7, took the lead on Enoch Nawahine’s 9-yard touchdown run on fourth down, followed by a successful 2-point conversion to go up 15-12. After a penalty set them back, SMU tied the game with Collin Rogers’ fifth field goal of the night, a 45-yarder, tying an SMU single-game record.
On BYU’s final drive, Miles Davis broke a 37-yard run on fourth-and-1, setting up Ferrin’s game-winning 26-yard field goal with less than two minutes remaining.
SMU had one more chance but failed to find the end zone, thanks to a smothering BYU defense that capitalized on Mustang mistakes, including a late fumble recovery.
For SMU, backup quarterback Kevin Jennings replaced starter Preston Stone after three unsuccessful drives. Jennings provided a spark, completing 15-of-32 passes for 140 yards, but was unable to lead the Mustangs to a touchdown, settling instead for field goals. SMU’s offense, which had averaged 53.9 points in its home-winning streak, was held in check by BYU’s defense. The Mustangs will need to regroup before their upcoming rivalry game against TCU on September, 21.
BYU now looks ahead to a road game at Wyoming on September 14, while SMU has a bye week before facing Big 12 rival TCU on September 21. The Cougars are now 7-7 since joining the Big XII Conference.
About The Author
