Dallas, TX – After a lackluster first half between the Miami Hurricanes and SMU Mustangs in Dallas, the excitement picked up at halftime, along with the game’s intensity.
An impressive second half led to overtime, where SMU forced a turnover and scored the game-winning touchdown, defeating Miami 26-20 on Saturday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
Miami, ranked No. 10, drops to a 6-2 overall record, with a 2-2 mark in ACC play. SMU improves to 6-3 overall and 4-1 in conference competition.
Although Miami outgained SMU in total yards, 433 to 388, and kept SMU to only 23 rushing yards, penalties and turnovers hindered their effort. Miami was flagged 12 times and committed two turnovers, allowing SMU to secure the victory amid their home crowd.
Miami quarterback Carson Beck completed 26 of 38 passes for 274 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Running back Mark Fletcher carried 16 times for 84 yards. Wide receiver Malachi Toney caught nine passes for 70 yards and contributed a 47-yard punt return. Wide receiver JoJo Trader had five receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown, while Keelan Marion added five catches for 77 yards.
Defensively, safety Jakobe Thomas led Miami with nine tackles, and cornerback Keionte Scott notched eight stops, including one sack, a fumble recovery, and two tackles for loss. Linebacker Mohamed Toure also recorded eight tackles.
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings went 29 of 44 for 365 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Jordan Hudson caught 11 passes for 136 yards, and Yamir Knight added four receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown. Safety Ahmaad Moses led the Mustangs with 15 tackles and secured two interceptions. Running back T.J. Harden scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime on a one-yard run.
SMU’s defense made an early stop, forcing a Miami punt after Dylan Joyce pinned them at their own 10-yard line. Jennings then connected with Derrick McFall for 24 yards, advancing across midfield, but a fumble on a fourth-down play gave Miami the ball back.
Miami capitalized with a series of successful plays, culminating in a 36-yard touchdown catch by Trader, giving Miami an early 7-0 lead.
SMU responded with a strong kickoff return and offensive drives, but Miami’s defense forced punts and the teams exchanged field goals, leaving the score tied at 17 going into halftime.
In the second half, after an initial missed field goal due to a delay of game penalty, SMU moved the ball 79 yards for a touchdown, taking a 14-10 lead. Miami answered with an offensive march, retaking the lead with a touchdown pass to Alex Bauman.
The game remained tied late into the third quarter, with both teams exchanging field goals, bringing the score to 20-20 entering the final minutes. Despite multiple attempts, both offenses were stifled by strong defenses, and the game advanced to overtime.
In overtime, SMU’s defense forced a turnover on a key interception, and Harden scored the winning touchdown for the Mustangs on a one-yard run.
Miami will return home next Saturday for their homecoming game at Hard Rock Stadium against Syracuse. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on ESPN.
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