SMU Injury Update: Mustangs Face Syracuse With Key Players Sidelined

DALLAS - No. 19 SMU enters Saturday's ACC matchup against Syracuse with momentum, championship aspirations and several injury concerns that could influence the Mustangs' first road game in weeks.

Head coach Rhett Lashlee's Mustangs are 6-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play, riding a four-game winning streak into the Halloween showdown at the JMA Wireless Dome.

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But the latest SMU injury report includes a notable absence at wide receiver.

Carterrious Brown has been ruled out against Syracuse with an undisclosed injury, according to the ACC's availability report.

The setback reduces quarterback Kevin Jennings' receiving options as the Mustangs look to maintain one of the conference's most productive offenses.

SMU is also dealing with longer-term injuries to several players.

Safety Tyren Polley Jr. suffered a pectoral injury and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Defensive lineman Isaiah Singleton IV has also been sidelined by an undisclosed injury, while running back Link Rhodes remains out after suffering a torn ACL.

Running back Dramekco Green is dealing with a hand injury, further affecting the Mustangs' backfield depth.

Kicker Nick Reed has also appeared on injury reports with an undisclosed issue, making his availability another situation to monitor.

Despite those concerns, SMU's offense has continued rolling.

The Mustangs are coming off a convincing 59-20 victory over California, with running back Kendrick Raphael providing an important presence in the ground game.

Jennings remains the centerpiece of Lashlee's offense, and his ability to distribute the football will be critical against a Syracuse defense hoping to slow SMU's passing attack.

Syracuse has significant injury concerns of its own, particularly at quarterback.

Steve Angeli carries a questionable designation for Saturday's game because of an undisclosed injury.

Fellow quarterback Malachi Nelson has been sidelined with an ankle problem, while Amari Odom is dealing with a shoulder injury.

Those issues create considerable uncertainty surrounding the Orange's offensive plans.

Syracuse will also be without wide receiver Terrell Wilfong, who has a collarbone injury. Receiver Darien Williams and tight end Carter Bashir have also appeared on the unavailable list.

The Orange enter Saturday at 3-4 overall and 1-4 in ACC play, making this a critical opportunity to disrupt SMU's conference championship ambitions.

For Lashlee, avoiding a road upset begins with protecting Jennings, maintaining offensive balance and preventing Syracuse from gaining confidence early.

SMU defeated Syracuse 31-18 last season behind Jennings' four touchdown passes.

MORE: SMU's Rhett Lashlee Ready For Overdue Road Test vs. Syracuse

Saturday's rematch offers the Mustangs an opportunity to strengthen their position in the ACC standings while demonstrating they can overcome their injury challenges.

Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on ESPN2 from the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York.