SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings got hit in his throwing arm and fumbled on the first play of his first career start in a conference championship game on the road.
As Jennings came to the sideline, Mustangs coach Rhett Lashlee told him, “That wasn’t your fault.”
“I know,” Jennings answered, and proceeded to play with the poise that SMU needed against a Tulane team that had won 10 straight and was trying to repeat as American Athletic Conference champions.
As Rhett Lashlee's team reaches the 11-win market, they've still got a bowl game left to play, and it could be a very big one. Here's what is particularly eye catching about today's result and its implications.
Despite turning the ball over three times, SMU were able to severely limit the Tulane offense on the way to the victory.
Tulane had only 12 first downs all night and converted just two third downs on 15 attempts.
Sophomore safety Isaiah Nwokobia had the Mustangs' lone forced turnover, with an interception late in the fourth quarter.
None were bigger than Elijah Roberts’ sack on third-and-5 with 11 minutes remaining in the game. Roberts knocked the ball loose, but Tulane recovered it to set up a punt on fourth-and-10. The punt was shanked, however, and SMU took over at the Tulane 30. A few plays later, SMU kicker Collin Rogers was perfect from 32 yards to give the Mustangs a 23-14 lead with 8:58 remaining.
SMU sacked Michael Pratt seven times. Defensive back Isaiah Nwokobia’s interception in the fourth quarter all but sealed it, sending fans to the exits of Yulman Stadium, where the Wave had celebrated its first AAC title a year ago.
The most impressive numbers, however, belonged to the SMU defense. The Mustangs held AAC leading rusher and Newcomer of the Year Makhi Hughes to 44 yards, his fewest since September.
The Green Wave’s nine punts were their most since punting 12 times in a game in November 2018. SMU held Tulane to 171 total yards through three quarters.
With Tulane's loss, their hopes of a spot in a New Years Six game are essentially dashed. Now, the question becomes whether SMU's resume outweighs Liberty's for that bid that goes to the Group of Five's best team. Frankly, there are strong points in support of both.
Read more
Premier League 2023: Manchester United loss to Newcastle 1-0 Real Madrid 2-0 GranadaSarah H
Also on site :
- Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes January 14 Offer Cool Rewards
- Arizona president, others pen letter calling on schools to accept new college athletics rules
- Will Ayush Badoni be in India’s playing XI for IND vs NZ 2nd ODI? India coach says ‘team would like…’