Full Breakdown
SMU Holds Off Boston College 25-16 in ACC Showdown
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On a rainy Saturday in Dallas, the No. 21 Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs defeated the Boston College Eagles 25-16 in their first ACC home game of the season. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings accounted for three touchdowns—two through the air and one on the ground—while the defense forced a fumble that set up a short scoring drive. Boston College quarterback Mason McKenzie threw for 208 yards and two touchdowns but could not overcome SMU’s early lead and a series of penalties that stalled the Eagles’ offense.
Background & Context
SMU entered the ACC in 2024 and has posted a 15-3 conference record over two seasons. The Mustangs lead the all-time series against Boston College 3-1, the most recent meeting a 45-13 loss for the Eagles in the 2023 Fenway Bowl. Boston College came into the game 2-3 overall and 0-2 in ACC play, still adjusting to the conference’s faster pace and dealing with a flu outbreak that affected many players during the week.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: SMU 25, Boston College 16
- Total yards: SMU 322, Boston College 218
- Turnover margin: SMU -5 (three turnovers lost, including two interceptions by Jennings) vs. Boston College +2 (two interceptions, one fumble recovery)
- Penalties: Boston College 11 for 95 yards; SMU three holding penalties, two botched PAT attempts
- Key plays:
- 14-yard TD pass from Jennings to Randy Pittman Jr. after a forced fumble recovered by Aakil Washington
- 20-yard TD pass to Derrick McFall on a short drive following a roughing-the-passer penalty
- 2-yard rushing TD by Kendrick Raphael for SMU
- 43-yard TD pass from McKenzie to Evan Dickens for Boston College
Official Statements & Responses
- Rhett Lashlee, SMU head coach: “They’ve altered who they are offensively, which I think just shows you that (Eagles head coach Bill O’Brien is) willing to do what he thinks gives him the best chance to win.”
- Rhett Lashlee, SMU head coach: “You have to be able to look in the mirror, all around, good and bad.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “They’ve altered who they are offensively, which I think just shows you that (Eagles head coach Bill O’Brien is) willing to do what he thinks gives him the best chance to win,” — Rhett Lashlee
- “You have to be able to look in the mirror, all around, good and bad,” — Rhett Lashlee
What’s Next
SMU returns to Gerald J. Ford Stadium for its next ACC matchup against Virginia Tech, aiming to extend its home winning streak. Boston College will host Louisville the following week, hoping to rebound while managing lingering flu concerns.