Mustangs Prove They Can Win Without Offensive Fireworks

DALLAS - No. 21 SMU didn’t look like its usual explosive self against Boston College, but the Mustangs showed Saturday they don’t necessarily need fireworks to win.

SMU leaned heavily on its defense, forcing a key turnover, piling up five sacks and recording a season-high 14 tackles for loss in a 25-16 victory over Boston College at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.

MORE: SMU Wins Ugly Despite Offense Stalling In Rain Against Boston College

The Mustangs improved to 4-1 overall and 2-1 in ACC play while winning their ninth consecutive ACC home game.

“Defensively start to finish, it was our most complete game,” SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said.

Rain and a slick field helped turn the afternoon into a grind.

SMU produced only 218 total yards, including 160 through the air, but quarterback Kevin Jennings avoided the damaging mistakes that could've changed the game.

Jennings completed 20 of 30 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns while also scoring on the ground.

Running back Kendrick Raphael opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run, but Boston College answered and took a 10-6 advantage before SMU regained control.

The decisive swing came after halftime.

Edge rusher Marques White forced a Mason McKenzie fumble, and Aakil Washington recovered it deep in Boston College territory.

Jennings immediately capitalized, finding tight end Randy Pittman Jr. for a 14-yard touchdown.

SMU’s defense continued making life miserable for Boston College from there.

The Eagles finished with 322 yards but managed just one touchdown after their opening-quarter score.

SMU held Boston College to 3.5 yards per rushing attempt and repeatedly put the Eagles behind schedule.

“They were going to bleed us out and run the ball,” Lashlee said. “We did a really nice job not letting them be explosive and stopping the run.”

Jennings later connected with Derrick McFall for another touchdown, giving SMU enough separation to withstand Boston College’s late score.

The Mustangs now enter their bye week with consecutive wins and a perfect 3-0 home record.

MORE: No. 21 SMU Grinds Out 25-16 Win Over Boston College

Lashlee’s next challenge is clear: combine the explosive offense SMU showed earlier this season with the disciplined, hard-to-beat team that showed up Saturday.

If the Mustangs can do both, they could become increasingly dangerous when ACC play resumes against Virginia on Oct. 17 at Ford Stadium.