SMU Cracks AP Top 25 As Mustangs Fight For College Football Playoff

SMU football is back in the national rankings, and the Mustangs have a legitimate opportunity to turn a promising November into something considerably bigger.

Following Friday night's 51-28 demolition of Virginia Tech, SMU entered Sunday's AP Top 25 at No. 25, putting head coach Rhett Lashlee's team back in the national spotlight as the College Football Playoff race intensifies.

MORE: SMU Defense Dominates Virginia Tech As Mustangs Roll To 51-28 Win

But the Mustangs aren't satisfied with simply being ranked. They're chasing an ACC championship.

SMU improved to 7-2 overall and 5-2 in conference play with its victory over the Hokies, a game that demonstrated just how explosive the Mustangs can be when their offense is clicking.

Quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 350 yards, helping SMU pile up 569 yards of total offense and seven touchdowns.

Wide receiver Yamir Knight finished with 103 receiving yards, while running back Christian Rhodes contributed 92 rushing yards.

The performance reinforced something ACC opponents already understand.

SMU can score in a hurry.

The Mustangs built a 23-14 halftime lead before outscoring Virginia Tech 14-0 in the third quarter, effectively taking control of the game.

However, SMU's return to the rankings doesn't guarantee a place in the College Football Playoff.

The Mustangs weren't included in the selection committee's initial Top 25, released November 3. Their victory over Virginia Tech gives them a stronger argument, but they'll need additional quality wins to climb into serious at-large consideration.

That's where the upcoming schedule becomes particularly interesting.

No. 11 Wake Forest visits Dallas on November 14 in a matchup that could dramatically reshape the ACC championship picture.

The Demon Deacons enter the game at 8-1 following a 77-0 victory over Merrimack.

For SMU, beating Wake Forest would accomplish several things.

It would deliver a valuable victory over a nationally ranked conference opponent, strengthen the Mustangs' postseason résumé and improve their chances of remaining in the ACC title race.

It would also provide the kind of late-season statement that can influence the playoff selection committee.

The latest AP poll has Georgia at No. 1, followed by Utah, Notre Dame and UCLA. Miami, previously the top-ranked team, dropped to No. 5 following its loss to Notre Dame.

That movement illustrates how quickly the national picture can change.

For Lashlee and the Mustangs, the path forward is challenging but straightforward.

Keep winning, remain in the ACC championship chase and give the committee reasons to reconsider SMU's position.

A conference championship would offer a potential route into the 12-team playoff, while an at-large invitation would require an especially strong finish.

The Mustangs can't control what happens elsewhere.

But with Wake Forest coming to Gerald J. Ford Stadium, they have an opportunity to make their strongest statement yet.

MORE: SMU Women's Basketball Eyes 3-0 Start Behind Grace Ezebilo

SMU is back in the Top 25.

Now the Mustangs must prove they belong in the playoff conversation, too.