SMU figures to have one of the vital explosive offenses within the Atlantic Coast Convention this 12 months. It changed into much more explosive closing week when the protection gave it quick fields and further possessions by the use of turnovers.
That resulted in a 59-7 rout of FCS opponent Houston Christian and a 2-0 get started for the Mustangs of their new league. They’re going to goal for a 3rd instantly win Friday night time in Dallas towards what will have to be a harder foe in BYU.
SMU’s protection now not best was once stingy — it gave up best 157 general yards closing week — but in addition were given into the top zone by the use of 348-pound nostril take on Anthony Booker. He recovered a fumble and went 16 yards for a landing to provide the Mustangs a 28-0 lead within the first quarter.
“The turnover shortens fields, even scoring,” Mustangs trainer Rhett Lashlee stated. “Guy, that adjustments a recreation very, in no time and it takes numerous the power off everyone.”
SMU created 3 turnovers and scored touchdowns off each and every one. Now not that the offense wanted the additional lend a hand because it rolled up 595 general yards, getting a couple of landing passes from Preston Slone and 108 yards at the flooring from Brashard Smith.
Whilst the Mustangs cruised, BYU opened its season Saturday night time by way of rolling Southern Illinois 41-13 as Jake Retzlaff threw for a career-high 348 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Cougars allowed best 231 yards and regarded extra bodily than they did at any level closing 12 months all over a 5-7 season.
There wasn’t a lot ninth-year trainer Kalani Sitake may in point of fact bitch about along with his staff.
“It was once a excellent first step for a protection to get the place we need to be total,” he stated. “I am in point of fact happy with the way in which we performed this recreation. I feel the management and revel in confirmed up.”
BYU completed with 527 general yards and 27 first downs, controlling the ball for greater than 39 mins.
“We all know who we’re. We are assured in ourselves,” Retzlaff stated.
The Cougars have received all 4 earlier matchups of the groups, together with a 24-23 squeaker within the 2022 New Mexico Bowl.
–Box Degree Media
