Introduction to SMU’s Current Situation
The Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs are facing a critical point in their season. Two weeks ago, they were in a similar position, coming off a significant win against a prominent ACC program. However, their subsequent road trip did not yield the desired results. SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee reflected on this experience, stating, "Last time we went on the road, we did not play well, so we got to be motivated to do better this time." This sentiment underscores the team’s determination to improve their performance, especially considering their upcoming trip to Boston College.
The Importance of the Upcoming Game
The difference between SMU’s previous road trip to Wake Forest and their upcoming trip to Boston College is stark. This time, the Mustangs no longer have the luxury of absorbing a loss. They need to win out and might even require assistance from another ACC team to reach the conference title game in December. The Mustangs have already stumbled three times this year, making it imperative for them to be perfect from this point forward. On paper, their upcoming game against the 1-8 Boston College team, which has yet to secure a win in conference play, seems manageable. However, past performances indicate that Boston College has been a challenging matchup for SMU.
Southern Methodist Mustangs safety Ahmaad Moses (left) cheers with his teammates as he intercepts a pass during overtime of a college football game against the Miami Hurricanes, on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas.
Past Matchups with Boston College
SMU has played Boston College more frequently in the last three years than any other ACC team and has found these matchups to be particularly challenging. In the 2023 Fenway Bowl, the 24th-ranked Mustangs fell to Boston College 23-14. The following year, Boston College played SMU closer than any other team in November, with the Mustangs securing a 38-28 win at Ford Stadium on Nov. 16. Coach Lashlee acknowledged the difficulty of this matchup, stating, "This has been a hard matchup for us. Last year in the league, they played us better than anybody here at home. They ran the ball well. They play action well. They do a really nice job of moving the chains and keeping the ball and milking the clock."
The Toll of the Schedule
SMU is currently playing a power conference opponent for the sixth consecutive week without any breaks, a feat they haven’t accomplished since their days in the Southwest Conference. This grueling schedule is taking a noticeable toll on the team, with several starters potentially missing the upcoming game due to injuries. Defensive linemen Cam Robertson and cornerback Jaelyn Davis-Robinson are more likely to return after the bye week than this Saturday. Additionally, offensive lineman Logan Parr, cornerback Marcellus Barnes Jr., and defensive tackle Terry Webb are all listed as questionable. Running back Chris Johnson Jr. is still not at 100%, and quarterback Kevin Jennings continues to play through an ankle injury that he seems to re-aggravate each week.
Coach Lashlee’s Perspective
Coach Lashlee summed up the team’s situation, saying, "We’re as beat up as we’ve been all year at this point, so we’re trying to get as much duct tape as we can to hold it all together. But the game doesn’t care. The game demands the same every week, the same physicality, the same execution efforts." This sentiment highlights the challenges the team is facing but also their determination to persevere and meet the demands of the game.
Looking Ahead
If SMU can successfully navigate their game against Boston College, they will earn a well-deserved bye week before their final two regular-season games. As long as the Mustangs continue to win, their postseason aspirations remain within reach. This makes their upcoming game crucial, not just for their current season but for their future prospects as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SMU is at a pivotal moment in their season. With no room for error, they must win out and potentially rely on other teams for assistance to reach the conference title game. Their history with Boston College suggests a challenging matchup, and the team’s current injury woes add to the complexity of their situation. However, with determination and the right strategy, SMU can overcome these obstacles and keep their postseason goals in sight.
FAQs
Q: What is SMU’s current situation in terms of their season?
A: SMU is in a position where they cannot afford to lose any more games and might need help from other teams to reach the conference title game.
Q: Who is their next opponent?
A: SMU’s next opponent is Boston College.
Q: What has been the nature of SMU’s past matchups with Boston College?
A: SMU has found Boston College to be a challenging opponent, with the Eagles playing them closely in their previous meetings.
Q: How is the schedule affecting SMU?
A: The schedule is taking a toll on the team, with several players injured and the team playing power conference opponents for six consecutive weeks without a break.
Q: What are SMU’s chances of reaching the postseason?
A: As long as SMU continues to win, their postseason aspirations remain achievable.
