UPDATE: In a stunning turnaround, SMU’s defense showcased its strength in a decisive 45-13 victory over Boston College on October 4, 2025. After a shaky start to the season, the Mustangs have shifted gears, reestablishing themselves as a dominant force in the ACC.
Just hours ago, the Mustangs celebrated a pivotal win at home in Dallas, marking a significant improvement after their 2-2 start to the season. Defensive coordinator Scott Symons faced intense scrutiny earlier this year, but his unit has rebounded magnificently, demonstrating a championship-caliber performance that left Boston College struggling to keep pace.
Key players emerged as heroes in this match, with Ahmaad Moses recovering two fumbles in the first quarter, setting the tone for SMU’s defense. Meanwhile, defensive end Isaiah Smith put on a show, achieving a program-record-tying four sacks and nine tackles. With this performance, Smith is now just one sack away from breaking the all-time record previously held by Luke Johnson.
“That whole defensive staff has created a culture here at SMU that we play good defense. It’s an expectation now,” Smith stated. “Every day in the weight room, we look at the same picture. All roads lead to Charlotte.”
Despite being down key players like defensive lineman Cam Robertson and cornerback Marcellus Barnes Jr., SMU’s younger talent stepped up to fill the gaps. Freshman Tyren Polley Jr. made an impactful return, recording eight tackles and an interception that led to a touchdown, while fellow freshman Sael Reyes secured his first career interception.
The Mustangs’ defense proved impenetrable at critical moments, holding Boston College to just 2 of 15 on third downs and 4 of 7 on fourth downs. They limited the Eagles to only 98 rushing yards on 40 attempts, showcasing their ability to step up when it mattered most.
As the game progressed, SMU’s offense capitalized on the defensive stops, scoring touchdowns on three consecutive drives in the third quarter, effectively sealing the game. The Mustangs amassed a total of 574 yards of offense, proving their capability to convert defensive success into scoring opportunities.
With their sights set on the conference title, this victory signals a critical momentum swing for the Mustangs as they prepare to tackle upcoming challenges in the ACC. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as SMU aims to continue this impressive run.
This latest performance not only restores faith in the Mustangs’ defensive prowess but also ignites hope for a deeper playoff run this season. Stay tuned for further updates as SMU continues its pursuit of greatness in college football.
