2023 SMU Mustangs football team

2023 SMU Mustangs football
AAC champion
AAC Championship Game, W 26–14 vs. Tulane
Fenway Bowl, L 14–23 vs. Boston College
Conference	American Athletic Conference
Ranking
Coaches	No. 24
AP	No. 22
Record	11–3 (8–0 The American)
Head coach	Rhett Lashlee (2nd season)
Offensive coordinator	Casey Woods (2nd season)
Co-offensive coordinator	Jonathan Brewer (1st season)
Co-offensive coordinator	Rob Likens (1st season)
Offensive scheme	Spread
Defensive coordinator	Scott Symons (2nd season)
Base defense	Multiple 3–4
Home stadium	Gerald J. Ford Stadium
Uniform
Seasons ←  2022 2024  →

2023 American Athletic Conference football standings

v t e	Conf							Overall
Team		W		L					W		L
No. 22 SMU y$		8	–	0					11	–	3
Tulane y		8	–	0					11	–	3
UTSA		7	–	1					9	–	4
Memphis		6	–	2					10	–	3
South Florida		4	–	4					7	–	6
Rice		4	–	4					6	–	7
Navy		4	–	4					5	–	7
North Texas		3	–	5					5	–	7
UAB		3	–	5					4	–	8
Florida Atlantic		3	–	5					4	–	8
Charlotte		2	–	6					3	–	9
Tulsa		2	–	6					4	–	8
Temple		1	–	7					3	–	9
East Carolina		1	–	7					2	–	10
Championship: SMU 26, Tulane 14
$ – Conference champion y – Championship game participant Rankings from AP Poll

The 2023 SMU Mustangs football team represented Southern Methodist University in the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Mustangs played their home games at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park, Texas, a separate city within the city limits of Dallas, and competed in the American Athletic Conference (The American). They were led by second-year head coach Rhett Lashlee.

For the first time since 2019, the Mustangs won six conference games. The Mustangs finished the regular season going 8–0 in conference play to qualify for the AAC Championship Game, for the Mustangs' first appearance in a conference championship game since the 2010 CUSA Championship Game. SMU defeated Tulane 26–14 in the title game for the program's first conference title since 1984 when the Mustangs won a share of the Southwest Conference title. ^[1] After defeating Tulane, SMU accepted a bid to compete in the 2023 Fenway Bowl against Boston College. In the final CFP rankings, SMU fell one spot behind undefeated C-USA champion Liberty University, narrowly missing the opportunity to play in the Fiesta Bowl against Oregon on New Year's Day. ^{[2] [3] [4]} This was SMU's final season in the American before they moved to the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2024. ^[5]

The SMU Mustangs football team drew an average home attendance of 22,616 in 2023. ^[6]

Preseason

Media poll

The American Athletic Conference preseason poll was released on July 25. The Mustangs were predicted to finish third in the conference. ^[7]

Media poll
Predicted finish	Team	Votes (1st place)
1	Tulane	457 (20)
2	UTSA	440 (9)
3	SMU	397 (3)
4	Memphis	362 (1)
5	Florida Atlantic	312
6	East Carolina	303
7	North Texas	261
8	UAB	209 (1)
9	Navy	199
10	Temple	182
11	Tulsa	160
12	Rice	138
13	South Florida	86
14	Charlotte	64

Schedule

SMU and the American Athletic Conference (AAC) announced the 2023 football schedule on February 21, 2023. ^[8] The Mustangs' regular season schedule consisted of six home games and six away games.

SMU played three of the six new conference members, hosting Charlotte and North Texas and traveled to Rice. Additionally, SMU hosted AAC foes Tulsa and Navy and traveled to East Carolina, Temple, and Memphis.

For non-conference play, SMU hosted Louisiana Tech from Conference USA and FCS Prairie View A&M from the Southwestern Athletic Conference and traveled to Oklahoma and TCU, both from the Big 12 Conference.

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
September 2	11:00 a.m.	Louisiana Tech *		Gerald J. Ford Stadium University Park, TX	ESPNU	W 38–14	21,490
September 9	5:00 p.m.	at No. 18 Oklahoma *		Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Norman, OK	ESPN+	L 11–28	84,186
September 16	6:00 p.m.	Prairie View A&M *		Gerald J. Ford Stadium University Park, TX	ESPN+	W 69–0	24,489
September 23	11:00 a.m.	at TCU *		Amon G. Carter Stadium Fort Worth, TX (Battle for the Iron Skillet)	FS1	L 17–34	51,243
September 30	6:30 p.m.	Charlotte		Gerald J. Ford Stadium University Park, TX	ESPNU	W 34–16	25,385
October 12	6:30 p.m.	at East Carolina		Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium Greenville, NC	ESPN	W 31–10	33,444
October 20	6:00 p.m.	at Temple		Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia, PA	ESPN	W 55–0	11,232
October 28	11:00 a.m.	Tulsa		Gerald J. Ford Stadium University Park, TX	ESPNU	W 69–10	20,800
November 4	6:30 p.m.	at Rice		Rice Stadium Houston, TX (Battle for the Mayor's Cup)	ESPNU	W 36–31	21,632
November 10	8:00 p.m.	North Texas		Gerald J. Ford Stadium University Park, TX (Safeway Bowl)	ESPN2	W 45–21	22,043
November 18	11:00 a.m.	at Memphis		Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium Memphis, TN	ESPN2	W 38–34	30,313
November 25	11:00 a.m.	Navy		Gerald J. Ford Stadium University Park, TX (Gansz Trophy)	ESPN2	W 59–14	21,490
December 2	4:00 p.m.	at No. 22 Tulane		Yulman Stadium New Orleans, LA (AAC Championship Game)	ABC	W 26–14	25,206
December 28	10:00 a.m.	vs. Boston College *	No. 24	Fenway Park Boston, MA (Fenway Bowl)	ESPN	L 14–23	16,238
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll (and CFP Rankings, after October 31) released prior to game All times are in Central time

Rankings

Further information: 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings

Ranking movements
Legend:██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes

	Week
Poll	Pre	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	Final
AP	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	RV	RV	RV	25	17	22
Coaches	RV	RV	—	—	—	—	—	—	RV	RV	RV	RV	25	24	19	24
CFP	Not released									—	—	—	—	—	24	Not released

Personnel

2023 SMU Mustangs football team roster
Players			Coaches
Offense Pos. # Name Class RB 0 Camar Wheaton So WR 1 Jordan Kerley Sr QB 2 Preston Stone So WR 3 Romello Brinson Jr RB 4 Jaylan Knighton Sr WR 5 Moochie Dixon Jr QB 6 Keldric Luster Fr QB 7 Kevin Jennings  Fr WR 8 Jordan Hudson So WR 9 Key'Shawn Smith Sr WR 10 Jamarion Carroll Fr RB 11 L. J. Johnson Jr. So WR 12 Jake Bailey Sr WR 13 Roderick Daniels Jr. Jr TE 14 Nolan Matthews-Harris Jr WR 15 Jaxson Lavender Fr QB 16 Alex Padilla  Sr WR 18 Teddy Knox So QB 21 Clyde Pittman Fr RB 24 Velton Gardner Sr QB 25 William Fierro Fr QB 26 Owen Easley Sr RB 27 Zane Minors So QB 28 Charlie Fiser  Fr WR 30 Carter Campbell Jr RB 31 Tyler Lavine Sr WR 32 Joey Bruszer  Fr WR 33 Meyer Pereira Fr WR 34 Case Holleron Fr WR 35 Henry Stickler Fr WR 36 Cooper Reid Fr QB 38 Maddox Fuller Fr WR 39 Keaton Cheves  Fr WR 42 Will Kuehne Sr OL 44 Stone Eby So TE 45 Ned Righellis Fr TE 46 Markus Schumacher  Fr WR 47 Nic Heck Sr OL 50 Hyrin White Sr OL 51 Justin Osborne Sr OL 52 Marcus Bryant Sr OL 53 Jakai Clark Sr OL 56 Branson Hickman Jr OL 59 P. J. Williams Fr OL 60 Hunter Ryan  Fr OL 61 Henry Douglas Fr OL 64 Cameron Ervin Sr OL 65 Jack Laphen Fr OL 66 Max Yao Jr OL 67 Sean Scott Fr OL 68 Jackson Ritz Jr OL 69 Jacob Waller  Fr OL 70 Paxton Briggle Fr OL 71 Logan Parr Jr OL 72 Caleb Johnson So OL 74 Nate Bennett  Fr OL 75 Ben Sparks Jr OL 76 Keaton Schultz So OL 77 Alex Woods Fr OL 78 Dalton Perdue Jr OL 79 Reagan Gill Fr TE 81 Lonnie Johnson Fr TE 82 R. J. Maryland So TE 83 Micah Hilts Sr TE 84 Tripp Riordan Fr TE 85 Adam Moore Fr TE 86 David Hawkins Jr TE 89 Kam Allen So	Defense Pos. # Name Class S 0 Bryan Massey Sr S 1 Brandon Crossley Sr S 2 Jonathan McGill  Sr CB 3 Charles Woods  Sr CB 4 Jahari Rogers Jr DE 5 Elijah Roberts Sr DL 6 Jordan Miller  Sr CB 7 Bryce McMorris So LB 8 JaQwondis Burns Jr DE 9 Nelson Paul Sr DE 10 David Abiara So DE 11 Je'lin Samuels So CB 12 Chris Megginson  Sr CB 13 Jaelyn Davis-Robinson Fr CB 14 A. J. Davis  Fr DE 15 Cameron Robertson So S 16 Ahmaad Moses So S 20 Chris Adimora Sr CB 21 Kyron Chambers So S 22 Cale Sanders Jr. Jr S 23 Isaiah Nwokobia So LB 24 Kobe Wilson Jr CB 25 Kevaris Hall Jr CB 26 Keyshon Mills Fr S 27 Abdul Muhammad Fr LB 29 Brandon Miyazono Fr S 30 Nate Monticure Jr CB 31 Ford Parker Sr DB 32 Brock Foster Fr CB 33 Michael De Hoyos Fr LB 34 Ahmad Walker Jr S 35 Will Goldberg Jr DE 36 Braeden Flowers Fr DT 40 Elijah Chatman Sr DT 41 Stephon Wright Jr DE 45 Jayden Jones So LB 46 I. V. Webb Fr LB 52 Sean Kane Fr LB 54 Alex Kilgore Fr DE 58 Isaiah Smith So DE 90 Alex Sickafoose Sr DE 91 Dylan Hinshaw Fr DT 92 Kori Roberson Jr.  Sr DT 93 Kevin Allen Fr DT 94 Braylen Jackson  Fr DE 95 Matt Baer Fr DT 96 DeVere Levelston Sr DT 97 Dylan Frazier  Fr DT 98 Mike Yoan Sandjo-Njiki Jr DT 99 Daemian Wimberly Fr	Special teams Pos. # Name Class K 41 Collin Rogers So LS 48 Will Benton IV Sr LS 49 Jovoni Borbon So LS 53 Marcus Chan  Fr P 91 Sam Eccles Fr P 92 Ryan Bujcevski Sr P 94 Michael Tadros  Fr P 95 Johnny Schifano Jr	Head coach Rhett Lashlee Coordinators/assistant coaches Casey Woods Offensive coordinator/Tight ends Jonathan Brewer Co-offensive coordinator/Quarterbacks Rob Likens Associate head coach/Co-offensive coordinator/Wide receivers Scott Symons Defensive coordinator Kyle Cooper Safeties/Special teams coordinator Maurice Crum Jr. Linebackers/Run game coordinator Khenon Hall Running backs/Run game coordinator Rickley Hunley Jr. Cornerbacks/Pass game coordinator Garin Justice Offensive line Calvin Thibodeaux Defensive line Legend (C) Team captain (S) Suspended (I) Ineligible Injured Redshirt Roster Last update: September 15, 2023

Game summaries

Louisiana Tech

See also: 2023 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at SMU Mustangs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bulldogs	0	0	7	7	14
Mustangs	14	17	0	7	38

at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas

• Date: September 2
• Game time: 11:00 a.m. CDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 86 °F (30 °C)
• Game attendance: 21,490
• Referee: Tim Rich
• TV announcers (ESPNU): Brian Custer, Rod Gilmore, and Lauren Sisler
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter SMU – Jordan Hudson 67-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 4:17. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 67 yards, 0:10. SMU – Kori Roberson 16-yard interception return (Collin Rogers kick), 3:36. Mustangs 14–0. Second quarter SMU – Collin Rogers 34-yard field goal, 14:11. Mustangs 17–0. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 3:30. SMU – Nolan Matthews-Harris 9-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 5:08. Mustangs 24–0. Drive: 11 plays, 98 yards, 5:21. SMU – R. J. Maryland 25-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 0:02. Mustangs 31–0. Drive: 4 plays, 92 yards, 0:28. Third quarter LT – Koby Duru 53-yard pass from Hank Bachmeier (Jacob Barnes kick), 13:52. Mustangs 31–7. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:08. Fourth quarter SMU – L. J. Johnson Jr 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 2:32. Mustangs 38–7. Drive: 13 plays, 46 yards, 5:34. LT – Keith Willis Jr. 2-yard run (Jacob Barnes kick), 0:26. Mustangs 38–14. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 2:06.

Statistics	LT	SMU
First downs	11	24
Total yards	269	457
Rushing yards	28	209
Passing yards	241	248
Turnovers	1	0
Time of possession	26:03	33:57

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Louisiana Tech	Passing	Hank Bachmeier	21/33, 241 yards, TD, INT
	Rushing	Charvis Thornton	8 rushes, 24 yards
	Receiving	Koby Duru	3 receptions, 55 yards, TD
SMU	Passing	Preston Stone	23/37, 248 yards, 3 TD
	Rushing	L. J. Johnson Jr.	14 rushes, 128 yards, TD
	Receiving	Jordan Hudson	2 receptions, 72 yards, TD

SMU opened the season by defeating Louisiana Tech 38–14. The previous day, SMU had announced that it would join the Atlantic Coast Conference starting in the 2024 season. ^[9]

At No. 18 Oklahoma

See also: 2023 Oklahoma Sooners football team

SMU Mustangs at No. 18 Oklahoma Sooners – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Mustangs	3	0	0	8	11
No. 18 Sooners	7	7	0	14	28

at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma

• Date: September 9
• Game time: 5:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 91 °F (33 °C)
• Game attendance: 84,186
• Referee: Michael VanderVelde
• TV announcers (ESPN+): Shawn Kenney, Ryan Leaf, and Tori Petry
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter OU – Andrel Anthony 29-yard pass from Dillon Gabriel (Zach Schmit kick), 10:39. Sooners 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 38 yards, 1:04. SMU – Collin Rogers 27-yard field goal, 8:43. Sooners 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 1:56. Second quarter OU – Blake Smith 2-yard pass from Dillon Gabriel (Zach Schmit kick), 8:33. Sooners 14–3. Drive: 13 plays, 94 yards, 4:53. Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter SMU – Stone Eby 2-yard pass from Preston Stone (Preston Stone pass to Jake Bailey), 12:09. Sooners 14–11. Drive: 16 plays, 81 yards, 6:56. OU – Jalil Farooq 21-yard pass from Dillon Gabriel (Zach Schmit kick), 9:01. Sooners 21–11. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:08. OU – Marcus Major 27-yard pass from Dillon Gabriel (Zach Schmit kick), 6:40. Sonners 28–11. Drive: 3 plays, 30 yards, 0:51.

Statistics	SMU	OU
First downs	21	22
Total yards	367	365
Rushing yards	117	189
Passing yards	250	176
Turnovers	2	0
Time of possession	32:20	27:40

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SMU	Passing	Preston Stone	26/45, 250 yards, TD, INT
	Rushing	Jaylan Knighton	15 rushes, 76 yards
	Receiving	Jake Bailey	7 receptions, 73 yards
Oklahoma	Passing	Dillon Gabriel	19/27, 176 yards, 4 TD
	Rushing	Tawee Walker	21 rushes, 117 yards
	Receiving	Andrel Anthony	7 receptions, 76 yards, TD

During the 2022 season, SMU signed a contract with the University of Oklahoma to play a two game series non-conference series, which would consist of one home game for each team in the 2023 and 2027 series. ^[10] The Sooners defeated SMU 28–11 in Norman. ^[11]

Prairie View A&M

See also: 2023 Prairie View A&M Panthers football team

Prairie View A&M Panthers at SMU Mustangs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	0	0	0	0	0
Mustangs	14	28	21	6	69

at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas

• Date: September 16
• Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Cloudy, 80 °F (27 °C)
• Game attendance: 24,489
• Referee: Scott Hardin
• TV announcers (ESPN+): Ted Emrich and Stanford Routt
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter SMU – Jordan Hudson 15-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 11:17. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 2:25. SMU – Chris Megginson 53-yard blocked field goal return (Collin Rogers kick), 3:13. Mustangs 14–0. Second quarter SMU – Roderick Daniels Jr. 91-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 14:40. Mustangs 21–0. Drive: 1 play, 91 yards, 0:12. SMU – Preston Stone 5-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 8:23. Mustangs 28–0. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 3:16. SMU – Romello Brinson 5-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 3:44. Mustangs 35–0. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 2:00. SMU – Jordan Kerley 4-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 0:05. Mustangs 42–0. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:00. Third quarter SMU – Jordan Kerley 59-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 14:34. Mustangs 49–0. Drive: 2 plays, 59 yards, 0:16. SMU – Key'Shawn Smith 27-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Collin Rogers kick), 11:02. Mustangs 56–0. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:00. SMU – Joey Bruszer 23-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Collin Rogers kick), 5:46. Mustangs 63–0. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 3:33. Fourth quarter SMU – Camar Wheaton 3-yard run (kick blocked), 14:18. Mustangs 69–0. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 4:55.

Statistics	PV	SMU
First downs	10	28
Total yards	156	566
Rushing yards	94	177
Passing yards	62	389
Turnovers	0	1
Time of possession	34:14	25:46

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Prairie View A&M	Passing	Trazon Connley	6/14, 51 yards
	Rushing	Ronald Young Jr.	7 rushes, 32 yards
	Receiving	Khristopher Simmons	3 receptions, 25 yards
SMU	Passing	Preston Stone	15/20, 300 yards, 5 TD, INT
	Rushing	Camar Wheaton	16 rushes, 75 yards, TD
	Receiving	Roderick Daniels Jr.	3 receptions, 96 yards, TD

At TCU

See also: 2023 TCU Horned Frogs football team

SMU Mustangs at TCU Horned Frogs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Mustangs	3	7	0	7	17
Horned Frogs	7	7	13	7	34

at Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas

• Date: September 23
• Game time: 11:00 a.m. CDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 89 °F (32 °C)
• Game attendance: 51,243
• Referee: Nate Black
• TV announcers (FS1): Eric Collins and Devin Gardner
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter SMU – Collin Rogers 24-yard field goal, 8:43. Mustangs 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 69 yards, 6:17. TCU – Jared Wiley 9-yard pass from Chandler Morris (Griffin Kell kick), 0:16. Horned Frogs 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 3:01. Second quarter TCU – Jared Wiley 2-yard pass from Chandler Morris (Griffin Kell kick), 6:58. Horned Frogs 14–3. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 4:07. SMU – Camar Wheaton 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 2:54. Horned Frogs 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:04. Third quarter TCU – Griffin Kell 35-yard field goal, 11:05. Horned Frogs 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 3:55. TCU – Griffin Kell 24-yard field goal, 6:14. Horned Frogs 20–10. Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 4:17. TCU – Emani Bailey 24-yard run (Griffin Kell kick), 1:54. Horned Frogs 27–10. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 1:33. Fourth quarter SMU – Tyler Lavine 2-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 1:47. Horned Frogs 27–17. Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 4:48. TCU – Chase Curtis 36-yard pass from Chandler Morris (Griffin Kell kick), 1:18. Horned Frogs 34–17. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 0:29.

Statistics	SMU	TCU
First downs	21	25
Total yards	416	457
Rushing yards	158	192
Passing yards	258	265
Turnovers	2	0
Time of possession	30:12	29:48

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SMU	Passing	Preston Stone	16/35, 258 yards, 2 INT
	Rushing	Camar Wheaton	16 rushes, 73 yards, TD
	Receiving	Jordan Kerley	1 reception, 51 yards
TCU	Passing	Chandler Morris	23/32, 261 yards, 3 TD
	Rushing	Emani Bailey	25 rushes, 126 yards, TD
	Receiving	Chase Curtis	2 receptions, 55 yards, TD

Prior to the start of the 2023 season, TCU announced it was indefinitely suspending the Battle for the Iron Skillet after the 2025 season. TCU defeated SMU 34–17. ^[12]

Charlotte

See also: 2023 Charlotte 49ers football team

Charlotte 49ers at SMU Mustangs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	0	3	6	7	16
Mustangs	14	3	10	7	34

at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas

• Date: September 30
• Game time: 6:30 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 92 °F (33 °C)
• Game attendance: 25,385
• Referee: Kevin Randall
• TV announcers (ESPNU): John Schriffen, Rocky Boiman, and Dawn Davenport
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter SMU – Roderick Daniels Jr. 12-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 11:41. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 82 yards, 3:15. SMU – Jaylan Knighton 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 4:46. Mustangs 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 15 yards, 1:54. Second quarter CLT – Jake Larson 21-yard field goal, 8:20. Mustangs 14–3. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 5:48. SMU – Collin Rogers 22-yard field goal, 3:53. Mustangs 17–3. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 3:46. Third quarter SMU – Jaylan Knighton 95-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 12:53. Mustangs 24–3. Drive: 1 play, 95 yards, 0:14. SMU – Collin Rogers 33-yard field goal, 7:40. Mustangs 27–3. Drive: 10 plays, 26 yards, 3:34. CLT – Jack Hestera 3-yard pass from Trexler Ivey (pass failed), 1:25. Mustangs 27–9. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:15. Fourth quarter CLT – Trexler Ivey 1-yard run (Jake Larson kick), 6:23. Mustangs 27–16. Drive: 14 plays, 74 yards, 6:29. SMU – R. J. Maryland 23-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 4:18. Mustangs 34–16. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 2:04.

Statistics	CLT	SMU
First downs	23	19
Total yards	331	363
Rushing yards	167	228
Passing yards	164	135
Turnovers	1	1
Time of possession	35:25	24:35

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Charlotte	Passing	Trexler Ivey	10/17, 107 yards, TD, INT
	Rushing	Terron Kellman	9 rushes, 69 yards
	Receiving	Jack Hestera	7 receptions, 81 yards, TD
SMU	Passing	Preston Stone	14/23, 135 yards, 2 TD, INT
	Rushing	Jaylan Knighton	11 rushes, 150 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Jake Bailey	3 receptions, 34 yards

SMU defeated Charlotte 34–16. Former President George W. Bush attended the game and participated in the coin toss. ^[13]

At East Carolina

See also: 2023 East Carolina Pirates football team

SMU Mustangs at East Carolina Pirates – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Mustangs	14	0	0	17	31
Pirates	0	10	0	0	10

at Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, North Carolina

• Date: October 12
• Game time: 6:30 p.m. CDT/7:30 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: Cloudy, 62 °F (17 °C)
• Game attendance: 33,444
• Referee: Luke Richmond
• TV announcers (ESPN): Matt Barrie, Dan Mullen, and Harry Lyles Jr.
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter SMU – Keyshawn Smith 21-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 7:09. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 2:16. SMU – Roderick Daniels Jr. 24-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 5:04. Mustangs 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:02. Second quarter ECU – Andrew Conrad 49-yard field goal, 13:40. Mustangs 14–3. Drive: 14 plays, 44 yards, 6:24. ECU – Mason Garcia 6-yard run (Andrew Conrad kick), 2:47. Mustangs 14–10. Drive: 12 plays, 81 yards, 6:36. Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter SMU – Collin Rogers 50-yard field goal, 13:18. Mustangs 17–10. Drive: 4 plays, -1 yards, 0:59. SMU – Jonathan McGill 34-yard interception return (Collin Rogers kick), 7:22. Mustangs 24–10. SMU – R. J. Maryland 43-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 2:29. Mustangs 31–10. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 3:44.

Statistics	SMU	ECU
First downs	14	15
Total yards	333	290
Rushing yards	57	97
Passing yards	276	193
Turnovers	0	2
Time of possession	25:40	34:20

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SMU	Passing	Preston Stone	19/38, 276 yards, 3 TD
	Rushing	Jaylan Knighton	11 rushes, 26 yards
	Receiving	Jordan Kerley	3 receptions, 69 yards
East Carolina	Passing	Mason Garcia	12/26, 155 yards
	Rushing	Mason Garcia	12 rushes, 38 yards, TD
	Receiving	Chase Sowell	7 receptions, 120 yards

At Temple

See also: 2023 Temple Owls football team

SMU Mustangs at Temple Owls – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Mustangs	14	10	17	14	55
Owls	0	0	0	0	0

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Date: October 20
• Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT/7:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 63 °F (17 °C)
• Game attendance: 11,232
• Referee: Tim Rich
• TV announcers (ESPN): Anish Shroff, Andre Ware, and Paul Carcaterra
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter SMU – Jaylan Knighton 3-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 4:31. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 90 yards, 2:42. SMU – Jordan Hudson 4-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 1:32. Mustangs 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 1:52. Second quarter SMU – R. J. Maryland 2-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 11:43. Mustangs 21–0. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 3:34. SMU – Collin Rogers 25-yard field goal, 0:02. Mustangs 24–0. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 1:38. Third quarter SMU – Roderick Daniels Jr. 67-yard punt return (Collin Rogers kick), 11:43. Mustangs 31–0. SMU – Preston Stone 21-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 10:00. Mustangs 38–0. Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 1:56. SMU – Collin Rogers 47-yard field goal, 1:17. Mustangs 41–0. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 4:25. Fourth quarter SMU – Jordan Hudson 7-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Collin Rogers kick), 10:52. Mustangs 48–0. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 3:56. SMU – Kevin Jennings 5-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 7:35. Mustangs 55–0. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 2:24.

Statistics	SMU	TEM
First downs	36	12
Total yards	563	131
Rushing yards	205	24
Passing yards	358	107
Turnovers	1	1
Time of possession	35:02	24:58

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SMU	Passing	Preston Stone	23/36, 300 yards, 2 TD
	Rushing	Jaylan Knighton	15 rushes, 64 yards, TD
	Receiving	Romello Brinson	5 receptions, 87 yards
Temple	Passing	Forrest Brock	7/15, 60 yards, INT
	Rushing	Joquez Smith	4 rushes, 19 yards
	Receiving	Zae Baines	2 receptions, 27 yards

Tulsa

See also: 2023 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team

Tulsa Golden Hurricane at SMU Mustangs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Golden Hurricane	3	0	0	7	10
Mustangs	28	24	14	3	69

at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas

• Date: October 28
• Game time: 11:00 a.m. CST
• Game weather: Rain, 60 °F (16 °C)
• Game attendance: 20,800
• Referee: Kevin Randall
• TV announcers (ESPNU): John Schriffen, Rocky Boiman, and Dawn Davenport
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter SMU – Romello Brinson 74-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 14:10. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:45. SMU – Tyler Lavine 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 9:34. Mustangs 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 1:51. TLSA – Chase Meyer 35-yard field goal, 4:44. Mustangs 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 4:50. SMU – Jaylan Knighton 11-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 1:46. Mustangs 21–3. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 2:52. SMU – Isaiah Nwokobia 25-yard interception return (Collin Rogers kick), 0:26. Mustangs 28–3. Second quarter SMU – Collin Rogers 42-yard field goal, 12:07. Mustangs 31–3. Drive: 7 plays, 56 yards, 1:30. SMU – RJ Maryland 62-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 11:35. Mustangs 38–3. Drive: 1 play, 62 yards, 0:10. SMU – Camar Wheaton 4-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 7:34. Mustangs 45–3. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:07. SMU – Moochie Dixon 17-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 4:37. Mustangs 52–3. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 1:41. Third quarter SMU – Velton Gardner 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 8:21. Mustangs 59–3. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 5:49. SMU – Camar Wheaton 48-yard field goal, 3:50. Mustangs 66–3. Drive: 4 plays, 66 yards, 2:03. Fourth quarter TLSA – Kamdyn Benjamin 5-yard pass from Cardell Williams (Chase Meyer kick), 9:59. Mustangs 66–10. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 4:52. SMU – Collin Rogers 22-yard field goal, 2:24. Mustangs 69–10. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 5:07.

Statistics	TLSA	SMU
First downs	14	26
Total yards	247	638
Rushing yards	123	192
Passing yards	124	446
Turnovers	2	0
Time of possession	30:13	29:47

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Tulsa	Passing	Braylon Braxton	10/20, 92 yards, 2 INT
	Rushing	Anthony Watkins	15 rushes, 50 yards
	Receiving	Devan Williams	3 receptions, 57 yards
SMU	Passing	Preston Stone	15/20, 371 yards, 3 TD
	Rushing	Camar Wheaton	9 rushes, 80 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	RJ Maryland	2 receptions, 95 yards, TD

SMU defeated Tulsa 69–10, attaining bowl eligibility. They scored over 50 points in the first half, doing so for the first time since their 77–63 victory over Houston the previous season. ^[14]

At Rice

See also: 2023 Rice Owls football team

SMU Mustangs at Rice Owls – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Mustangs	14	10	9	3	36
Owls	7	14	7	3	31

at Rice Stadium, Houston, Texas

• Date: November 4
• Game time: 6:30 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 75 °F (24 °C)
• Game attendance: 21,632
• Referee: Scott Hardin
• TV announcers (ESPNU): John Schriffen, Charles Arbuckle, and Dawn Davenport
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter RICE – Chike Anigbogu 15-yard punt return (Tim Horn kick), 8:56. Owls 7–0. SMU – Roderick Daniels Jr. 34-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 6:22. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:34. SMU – Preston Stone 20-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 5:48. Mustangs 14–7. Drive: 2 plays, 33 yards, 0:29. Second quarter RICE – Luke McCaffrey 4-yard pass from JT Daniels (Tim Horn kick), 11:07. Tied 14–14. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 4:24. SMU – Collin Rogers 41-yard field goal, 6:59. Mustangs 17–14. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 4:08. SMU – Jordan Hudson 30-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 2:09. Mustangs 24–14. Drive: 7 plays, 89 yards, 2:16. RICE – Dean Connors 14-yard pass from JT Daniels (Tim Horn kick), 0:18. Mustangs 24–21. Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 1:41. Third quarter SMU – Tyler Lavine 3-yard run (pass failed), 9:32. Mustangs 30–21. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:20. SMU – Collin Rogers 37-yard field goal, 3:05. Mustangs 33–21. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 3:32. RICE – Dean Connors 1-yard run (Tim Horn kick), 0:23. Mustangs 33–28. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:42. Fourth quarter RICE – Tim Horn 32-yard field goal, 7:44. Mustangs 33–31. Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 4:14. SMU – Collin Rogers 51-yard field goal, 2:49. Mustangs 36–31. Drive: 12 plays, 41 yards, 4:55.

Statistics	SMU	RICE
First downs	28	13
Total yards	477	290
Rushing yards	223	124
Passing yards	254	166
Turnovers	1	3
Time of possession	31:31	28:29

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SMU	Passing	Preston Stone	15/28, 217 yards, 2 TD
	Rushing	Preston Stone	8 rushes, 81 yards, TD
	Receiving	Jake Bailey	4 receptions, 73 yards
Rice	Passing	Chase Jenkins	10/16, 85 yards, INT
	Rushing	Dean Connors	7 rushes, 77 yards, TD
	Receiving	Rawson MacNeill	2 receptions, 68 yards

SMU defeated Rice 36–31, winning the Mayor's Cup. SMU quarterback Preston Stone and Rice quarterback JT Daniels both suffered from concussions during the game. Stone's concussion put his start against UNT the next week into question, while Daniels did not play again for the rest of the season, announcing his retirement after its conclusion. ^{[15] [16]}

North Texas

See also: 2023 North Texas Mean Green football team

North Texas Mean Green at SMU Mustangs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Mean Green	7	7	0	7	21
Mustangs	14	3	14	14	45

at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas

• Date: November 10
• Game time: 8:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Cloudy, 57 °F (14 °C)
• Game attendance: 22,043
• Referee: Nate Black
• TV announcers (ESPN2): Anish Shroff, Andre Ware, and Paul Carcaterra
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter SMU – Moochie Dixon 8-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 11:39. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 2:05. UNT – Trey Cleveland 19-yard pass from Chandler Rogers (Noah Rauschenberg kick), 4:47. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:50. SMU – RJ Maryland 24-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 0:34. Mustangs 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:13. Second quarter SMU – Collin Rogers 20-yard field goal, 10:29. Mustangs 17–7. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 3:42. UNT – Oscar Adaway III 7-yard run (Noah Rauschenberg kick), 7:07. Mustangs 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:22. Third quarter SMU – Tyler Lavine 5-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 11:08. Mustangs 24–14. Drive: 3 plays, 17 yards, 0:51. SMU – Jaylan Knighton 20-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 2:15. Mustangs 31–14. Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 1:29. Fourth quarter SMU – Camar Wheaton 22-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 12:44. Mustangs 38–14. Drive: 3 plays, 77 yards, 1:02. SMU – LJ Johnson Jr. 3-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 4:00. Mustangs 45–14. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 6:38. UNT – Blair Conwright 29-yard pass from Chandler Rogers (Noah Rauschenberg kick), 1:27. Mustangs 45–21. Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 2:28.

Statistics	UNT	SMU
First downs	18	28
Total yards	372	552
Rushing yards	132	318
Passing yards	240	234
Turnovers	2	1
Time of possession	26:34	33:26

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
North Texas	Passing	Chandler Rogers	18/31, 240 yards, 2 TD, INT
	Rushing	Oscar Adaway III	11 rushes, 90 yards, TD
	Receiving	Trey Cleveland	3 receptions, 72 yards, TD
SMU	Passing	Preston Stone	11/20, 234 yards, 2 TD, INT
	Rushing	Jaylan Knighton	17 rushes, 129 yards, TD
	Receiving	Moochie Dixon	3 receptions, 99 yards, TD

Quarterback Stone cleared concussion protocol prior to the game against UNT, ^[17] allowing him to lead the team to a 45–21 victory in the Safeway Bowl. ^[18]

At Memphis

See also: 2023 Memphis Tigers football team

SMU Mustangs at Memphis Tigers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Mustangs	7	7	14	10	38
Tigers	10	3	8	13	34

at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee

• Date: November 18
• Game time: 11:00 a.m. CST
• Game weather: Sunny, 55 °F (13 °C)
• Game attendance: 30,313
• Referee: Luke Richmond
• TV announcers (ESPN2): Beth Mowins, Kirk Morrison, and Stormy Buonantony
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter SMU – R. J. Maryland 43-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 12:16. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 1:24. MEM – Tanner Gillis 47-yard field goal, 7:25. Mustangs 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 46 yards, 4:51. MEM – Demeer Blankumsee 27-yard pass from Seth Henigan (Tanner Gillis kick), 0:56. Memphis 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:19. Second quarter SMU – Preston Stone 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 6:07. Mustangs 14–10. Drive: 13 plays, 70 yards, 6:04. MEM – Tanner Gillis 36-yard field goal, 0:46. Mustangs 14–13. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 5:15. Third quarter SMU – L. J. Johnson Jr. 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 9:35. Mustangs 21–13. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 5:21. MEM – Brandon Thomas 1-yard run (Seth Henigan pass to Anthony Landphere), 4:27. Tied 21–21. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:08. SMU – Jaylan Knighton 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 3:17. Mustangs 28–21. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:10. Fourth quarter MEM – Blake Watson 11-yard run (Tanner Gillis kick), 14:55. Tied 28–28. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:22. SMU – Collin Rogers 32-yard field goal, 12:25. Mustangs 31–28. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:30. SMU – Jordan Hudson 7-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 2:41. Mustangs 38–28. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 4:53. MEM – Demeer Blankumsee 20-yard pass from Seth Henigan (kick failed), 0:53. Mustangs 38–34. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 1:44.

Statistics	SMU	MEM
First downs	23	24
Total yards	444	464
Rushing yards	158	62
Passing yards	286	402
Turnovers	0	1
Time of possession	28:10	31:50

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SMU	Passing	Preston Stone	15/23, 286 yards, 2 TD
	Rushing	L. J. Johnson Jr.	21 rushes, 115 yards, TD
	Receiving	Keyshawn Smith	3 receptions, 63 yards
Memphis	Passing	Seth Henigan	35/51, 402 yards, 2 TD
	Rushing	Blake Watson	10 rushes, 41 yards, TD
	Receiving	Roc Taylor	8 receptions, 146 yards

Both SMU and Memphis were undefeated in conference play prior to the game, meaning the loser would likely be eliminated from contention to play in the conference championship. ^[19] SMU defeated Memphis 38–34.

Navy

See also: 2023 Navy Midshipmen football team

Navy Midshipmen at SMU Mustangs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Midshipmen	7	7	0	0	14
Mustangs	28	24	7	0	59

at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, University Park, Texas

• Date: November 25
• Game time: 11:00 a.m. CST
• Game weather: Sunny, 55 °F (13 °C)
• Game attendance: 21,490
• Referee: Tim Rich
• TV announcers (ESPN2): Roy Philpott, Roddy Jones, and Taylor McGregor
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter SMU – Tyler Lavine 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 13:09. Mustangs 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 67 yards, 1:45. SMU – Moochie Dixon 15-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 8:57. Mustangs 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 1:59. SMU – Jordan Hudson 27-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 5:26. Mustangs 21–0. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 2:08. SMU – Moochie Dixon 26-yard pass from Preston Stone (Collin Rogers kick), 1:57. Mustangs 28–0. Drive: 4 plays, 67 yards, 1:51. NAVY – Daba Fofana 1-yard run (Nathan Kirkwood kick), 0:56. Mustangs 28–7. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:04. Second quarter SMU – Willie Benton IV 0-yard fumble return (Collin Rogers kick), 11:42. Mustangs 35–7. SMU – Tyler Lavine 8-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 9:32. Mustangs 42–7. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 2:41. SMU – Tyler Lavine 19-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 4:59. Mustangs 49–7. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 2:53. NAVY – Braxton Woodson 69-yard run (Nathan Kirkwood kick), 4:10. Mustangs 49–14. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:49. SMU – Collin Rogers 30-yard field goal, 0:41. Mustangs 52–14. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 3:29. Third quarter SMU – Isaiah Nwokobia 74-yard interception return (Collin Rogers kick), 9:31. Mustangs 59–14. Fourth quarter No scoring plays

Statistics	NAVY	SMU
First downs	14	21
Total yards	253	487
Rushing yards	182	118
Passing yards	71	369
Turnovers	2	1
Time of possession	32:04	27:56

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Navy	Passing	Braxton Woodson	9/18, 71 yards, INT
	Rushing	Braxton Woodson	18 rushes, 104 yards, TD
	Receiving	Alex Tecza	3 receptions, 34 yards
SMU	Passing	Preston Stone	14/19, 322 yards, 3 TD
	Rushing	Tyler Lavine	7 rushes, 49 yards, 3 TD
	Receiving	Moochie Dixon	4 receptions, 125 yards, 2 TD

SMU defeated Navy 59–14 to win the Gansz Trophy and guarantee a spot in the conference championship game. SMU scored over 50 points in the first half, and quarterback Preston Stone threw for the most yards in the first quarter of an FBS game since 2019, but he suffered a broken leg late in the first half, leaving him unable to play for the rest of the season. ^{[20] [21]}

At No. 22 Tulane (AAC Championship Game)

See also: 2023 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game and 2023 Tulane Green Wave football team

SMU Mustangs at No. 22 Tulane Green Wave (AAC Championship Game) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Mustangs	7	7	3	9	26
No. 22 Green Wave	7	0	7	0	14

at Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana

• Date: December 2
• Game time: 4:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Rain, 72 °F (22 °C)
• Game attendance: 25,206
• Referee: Luke Richmond
• TV announcers (ABC): Roy Philpott, Roddy Jones, and Taylor McGregor
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter TULN – Michael Pratt 1-yard run (Valentino Ambrosio kick), 14:50. Green Wave 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:03. SMU – Jaylan Knighton 6-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 7:37. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 1:37. Second quarter SMU – Key'Shawn Smith 17-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Collin Rogers kick), 1:32. Mustangs 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:18. Third quarter TULN – Yulkieth Brown 42-yard pass from Michael Pratt (Valentino Ambrosio kick), 8:46. Tied 14–14. Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 2:34. SMU – Collin Rogers 48-yard field goal, 5:35. Mustangs 17–14. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:11. Fourth quarter SMU – Collin Rogers 32-yard field goal, 12:38. Mustangs 20–14. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 5:52. SMU – Collin Rogers 32-yard field goal, 8:58. Mustangs 23–14. Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 1:47. SMU – Collin Rogers 45-yard field goal, 3:15. Mustangs 26–14. Drive: 6 plays, 9 yards, 1:13.

Statistics	SMU	TULN
First downs	21	12
Total yards	396	269
Rushing yards	193	31
Passing yards	203	238
Turnovers	3	1
Time of possession	34:07	25:53

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SMU	Passing	Kevin Jennings	19/33, 203 yards, TD, 2 INT
	Rushing	Jaylan Knighton	15 rushes, 75 yards, TD
	Receiving	R. J. Maryland	5 receptions, 56 yards
Tulane	Passing	Michael Pratt	21/36, 238 yards, TD, INT
	Rushing	Makhi Hughes	11 rushes, 44 yards
	Receiving	Yulkieth Brown	5 receptions, 90 yards, TD

Backup quarterback Kevin Jennings made his first career start against Tulane in the championship game. On the first play of the game, Jennings fumbled the ball, allowing Tulane to return it to the 1-yard line and score immediately afterwards. Despite this and two interceptions, SMU led Tulane 14–7 at the end of the first half thanks to its strong defense, which forced Tulane to punt the ball nine times over the course of the game. In the second half, Jennings continued to lead SMU down the field, allowing kicker Collin Rogers to score four field goals. Near the end of the fourth quarter, safety Isaiah Nwokobia intercepted the ball to seal SMU's 26–14 victory over Tulane, winning SMU its first conference championship since 1984. ^{[22] [23]} After the game, Nwokobia was awarded the Most Outstanding Player award, becoming the first defensive player to win such an award in an AAC title game. ^[24]

Vs. Boston College (Fenway Bowl)

See also: 2023 Fenway Bowl and 2023 Boston College Eagles football team

No. 24 SMU Mustangs vs. Boston College Eagles (Fenway Bowl) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 24 Mustangs	0	14	0	0	14
Eagles	3	7	0	13	23

at Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts

• Date: December 28
• Game time: 10:00 a.m. CST/11:00 a.m. EST a.m.
• Game weather: Rain, 45 °F (7 °C)
• Game attendance: 16,238
• Referee: Kevin Mar
• TV announcers (ESPN): Chris Cotter, Mark Herzlich, and Sherree Burruss
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter BC – Liam Connor 45-yard field goal, 6:21. Eagles 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 25 yards, 3:42. Second quarter SMU – L. J. Johnson Jr. 1-yard run (Collin Rogers kick), 9:14. Mustangs 7–3. Drive: 15 plays, 78 yards, 6:32. BC – Kye Robichaux 6-yard run (Liam Connor kick), 3:07. Eagles 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 6:07. SMU – Jaylan Knighton 6-yard pass from Kevin Jennings (Collin Rogers kick), 0:08. Mustangs 14–10. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 2:59. Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter BC – Thomas Castellanos 15-yard run (Liam Connor kick), 12:22. Eagles 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 3:59. BC – Thomas Castellanos 14-yard run (kick failed), 9:48. Eagles 23–14. Drive: 3 plays, 42 yards, 1:19.

Statistics	SMU	BC
First downs	22	20
Total yards	309	364
Rushing yards	118	262
Passing yards	191	102
Turnovers	1	1
Time of possession	29:00	31:00

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SMU	Passing	Kevin Jennings	24/48, 191 yards, TD
	Rushing	Kevin Jennings	10 rushes, 51 yards
	Receiving	Jake Bailey	6 receptions, 54 yards
Boston College	Passing	Thomas Castellanos	11/18, 102 yards, INT
	Rushing	Thomas Castellanos	21 rushes, 156 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Jaeden Skeete	2 receptions, 40 yards

References

1. Stevenson, Stefan (December 2, 2023). "SMU asserts dominance over Tulane, secures first conference championship win in 39 years". Dallas Morning News . Retrieved December 3, 2023.
2. "SMU snubbed from New Year's Six matchup, will head to Fenway Bowl instead". Dallas News. December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
3. "AAC Commissioner objects to SMU's exclusion from New Year's Day bowls". wfaa.com. December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
4. Hodges, Andy (December 3, 2023). "Committee Wrong Again: SMU on Receiving End This Time". Sports Illustrated Inside the Mustangs News, Analysis and More. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
5. Dodd, Dennis (September 1, 2023). "Stanford, Cal, SMU join ACC: Conference membership growing to 18 schools as latest realignment domino falls". CBS Sports . Retrieved September 1, 2023.
6. "2023 FBS Attendance Trends". D1.ticker. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
7. "Tulane is the Favorite in 2023 American Preseason Media Poll". American Athletic Conference. July 25, 2023. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
8. "2023 SMU Football Schedule". FBSchedules. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
9. Stevenson, Stefan (September 2, 2023). "SMU opens Preston Stone era with convincing win over Louisiana Tech a day after ACC invite". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
10. Hoyt, Joseph (September 14, 2022). "SMU, Oklahoma announce football home-and-home series". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
11. Stevenson, Stefan (September 10, 2023). "SMU gives Sooners a scare before Oklahoma pulls away in fourth quarter". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
12. Livengood, Paul (September 23, 2023). "TCU QB Chandler Morris slings 3 TDs in 'Iron Skillet' win over SMU Mustangs". wfaa.com. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
13. "Photos: George W. and Laura Bush take part in coin toss before SMU's AAC opener vs. Charlotte". Dallas News. October 1, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
14. McKenna, Greg (October 28, 2023). "SMU blows away Golden Hurricane to become bowl eligible for fifth straight season". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
15. Stevenson, Stefan (November 9, 2023). "If Preston Stone can't start vs. UNT, SMU's confident in South Oak Cliff QB Kevin Jennings". Dallas News. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
16. Thamel, Pete (December 1, 2023). "Rice QB Daniels, citing concussion issues, retires". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
17. "SMU quarterback Preston Stone clears concussion protocol, will start vs. North Texas". Dallas News. November 11, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
18. "SMU 45-21 North Texas (Nov 10, 2023) Game Recap". ESPN. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
19. Stevenson, Stefan (November 17, 2023). "SMU prediction: Mustangs' road to AAC championship runs through Memphis". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
20. Stevenson, Stefan (November 25, 2023). "SMU QB Preston Stone exits vs. Navy after suffering leg injury". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
21. Stevenson, Stefan (November 28, 2023). "SMU QB Preston Stone out for rest of season with broken left leg". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
22. Martel, Brett (December 3, 2023). "Jennings, dominant defense carry No. 25 SMU to AAC title, 26-14 over Tulane". AP News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
23. Londergan, Joe (December 3, 2023). "SMU Upset Tulane In AAC Championship Game". Sports Illustrated G5 Football Daily News, Analysis and More. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
24. Stevenson, Stefan (December 3, 2023). "SMU asserts dominance over Tulane, secures first conference championship win in 39 years". Dallas News. Retrieved December 4, 2023.