Amber Aniston • October 26, 2024

SMU Survives Duke in Thrilling 28-27 Overtime Victory

In a nail-biting finish, No. 22 SMU escaped with a 28-27 overtime victory against Duke on Saturday night at Wallace Wade Stadium. SMU withstood a relentless defensive effort from Duke, overcoming six turnovers to secure their fifth consecutive win of the season.


Running back Brashard Smith came through when it mattered most, scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime, capping off a hard-fought effort by the Mustangs. Despite several mistakes throughout the game, SMU held firm, while Duke’s risky two-point conversion attempt in overtime backfired, allowing SMU to claim the victory.


Early Dominance by Duke’s Defense

From the start, Duke’s defense gave SMU all it could handle. The Blue Devils forced three fumbles and intercepted SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings three times, putting the Mustangs’ offense on the back foot. Duke's Cameron Bergeron and Chandler Rivers led the defensive charge, with Bergeron recovering a fumble and Rivers snagging one of the three interceptions.


Despite Duke’s defensive dominance early on, the Blue Devils struggled to capitalize on the turnovers offensively, missing key opportunities to take full control of the game. The offense failed to turn those takeaways into touchdowns, settling for just one score in the first half.


SMU Rallies Back

After a slow start and trailing for much of the game, SMU began to find their rhythm late in the third quarter. Brashard Smith was instrumental, scoring two crucial touchdowns for the Mustangs, including the game-winner in overtime. Smith finished with 117 rushing yards and carried the load for the Mustangs' offense when they needed it most.


Quarterback Kevin Jennings, though hampered by turnovers, managed to deliver in key moments, keeping SMU in the game with his 299 yards of total offense. The Mustangs’ offense, which had been stifled by Duke’s aggressive defense, finally broke through in the second half and put together crucial drives to force the game into overtime.


Duke's Overtime Gamble Falls Short

In overtime, SMU took a 28-21 lead after Smith's 24-yard touchdown run. Duke answered with a quick touchdown of their own, as quarterback Maalik Murphy connected with Eli Pancol in the end zone to make it 28-27. However, instead of kicking the extra point to send the game into a second overtime, Duke made the bold decision to go for a two-point conversion and the win.


Murphy scrambled out of the pocket, looking for an open receiver, but his pass missed its target, allowing SMU to walk away with the victory. The failed conversion attempt brought a dramatic end to a hard-fought contest, with Duke left wondering what might have been had they played it safe.


Missed Opportunities for Duke

While Duke’s defense kept them in the game, the offense’s inability to convert turnovers into points proved costly. The Blue Devils had excellent field position multiple times throughout the game but failed to finish drives with touchdowns. Two missed field goals by kicker Todd Pelino, including a 30-yard attempt blocked by SMU’s Jahfari Harvey as time expired in regulation, further highlighted the missed chances.


Despite forcing six turnovers, Duke’s struggles in the red zone and on special teams left the door open for SMU to mount a comeback. The Blue Devils' decision to go for the win in overtime reflected their frustration with not putting the game away earlier, and in the end, it cost them dearly.


Resilient SMU Shows Grit

SMU’s win came despite their six turnovers, marking a rare feat in college football. The Mustangs' resilience in the face of adversity, particularly with the game on the line, demonstrated their ability to overcome mistakes and fight through tough situations. Brashard Smith’s performance on the ground and Jennings’ ability to extend plays were key to SMU’s success, even on a night when they were far from perfect.


The Mustangs improved to 7-1 on the season and remain unbeaten in ACC play, showing that they are a force to be reckoned with despite the adversity they faced tonight. Head coach Rhett Lashlee’s team refused to buckle under pressure, finding a way to win even when the odds seemed stacked against them.


Looking Ahead

SMU will now turn their attention to a key ACC matchup next week against No. 19 Pittsburgh, with a chance to further solidify their position in the conference standings. With their record now at 7-1, SMU remains in the hunt for a potential spot in the ACC Championship Game, and tonight’s win will only fuel their momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.


For Duke, the loss drops them to 6-2, but they remain in bowl contention. They will face No. 6 Miami next week, a matchup that will be crucial for their hopes of a strong finish to the season. However, Duke will need to address their offensive inconsistencies and find ways to convert on the opportunities their defense provides.



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