SMU Gets Major Injury Advantage As Virginia Loses 22 Players

DALLAS - SMU football returns to Gerald J. Ford Stadium Saturday with an opportunity to strengthen its ACC championship hopes, and the 24th-ranked Mustangs couldn't ask for a more favorable injury situation against visiting Virginia.

The Cavaliers are dealing with a staggering 22 unavailable players entering the 11 a.m. kickoff, creating major concerns for head coach Tony Elliott as his team prepares to face quarterback Kevin Jennings and an explosive SMU passing attack.

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The Mustangs aren't completely healthy, either.

According to the latest ACC availability report, eight SMU players have been ruled out, including running backs Dramekco Green and Link Rhodes, wide receivers Carterrious Brown and Daylon Singleton, and defensive end Ira Singleton IV.

Linebackers I'Zayah Young and Kenneth Goodwin III are also out, along with offensive lineman Abel Hoopii.

Safety Ahmaad Moses and kicker Nick Reed remain questionable.

But those losses pale in comparison to Virginia's growing problems.

The Cavaliers will be without starting cornerback Omillio Agard, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL, and defensive end Devon Baxter, who underwent shoulder surgery.

Wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. has also been ruled out following a knee injury against Syracuse, while fellow receiver Kameron Courtney and safety Corey Costner are unavailable.

Starting safety Brandyn Hillman is doubtful after injuring his ankle against Syracuse, further threatening Virginia's defensive depth.

Elliott acknowledged the physical toll earlier this week, describing football as a "gladiator sport" where injuries become an unavoidable part of the season.

That reality presents SMU with an opportunity.

Jennings has thrown for 1,588 yards this season, and the Mustangs should have favorable matchups against a depleted Virginia secondary.

Receiver Yamir Knight leads SMU with 367 receiving yards, while running back Kendrick Raphael has produced 418 yards on the ground.

Still, Rhett Lashlee's offense needs a more consistent performance after managing just 25 points against Boston College.

SMU enters Saturday at 4-1 overall and 2-1 in ACC play, while Virginia is 4-2 and 2-1 following a 28-25 comeback victory over Syracuse.

The Cavaliers have demonstrated resilience, but their road performances remain a concern.

Virginia is winless in two road games this season, while SMU has won all nine ACC home games since joining the conference in 2024.

That combination of home-field advantage, improved health and an extra week of preparation should give the Mustangs a significant edge.

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But SMU can't afford another afternoon of offensive inconsistency.

The Mustangs have championship aspirations, and beating a badly depleted Virginia team is the kind of opportunity they must capitalize on.