Syracuse Upsets SMU 30-27 With Late Game-Winning Touchdown
A late-game rally by Syracuse handed SMU its second road loss of the season and complicated the Mustangs' playoff outlook.
The SMU Mustangs suffered a 30-27 defeat against Syracuse at the JMA Wireless Dome, dropping to 6-2 overall and 4-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The loss was sealed when Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli connected with Noah Meyers on a 2-yard touchdown pass with just 17 seconds remaining in the game.
Syracuse established control early in the matchup, taking a 20-10 lead into halftime. Angeli opened the scoring with a 26-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, which was followed by two field goals from Tom Woody and a 1-yard touchdown run by Ahmad Miller after an SMU fumble.
SMU responded strongly in the second half under the direction of head coach Rhett Lashlee. Quarterback Kevin Jennings orchestrated an 85-yard opening drive of the third quarter, capping it with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Yamir Knight to narrow the deficit to three points.
The Mustangs' defense capitalized on the momentum, holding Syracuse scoreless through several possessions and capitalizing when Angeli was called for an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone for a safety. Shortly after, Kendrick Raphael rushed for a 13-yard touchdown, and a successful two-point conversion by Derrick McFall gave SMU a 27-20 advantage with 9:04 left on the clock.
However, Syracuse mounted a decisive 11-play, 68-yard drive in the final minutes to reclaim the lead. Woody converted a 26-yard field goal before Angeli guided the offense down the field, converting a critical fourth-and-1 before throwing the game-winning score.
Jennings performed strongly throughout the afternoon, completing 29 of 36 passes for 351 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. Despite his efficiency, SMU struggled to establish a rushing attack, gaining only 70 yards on 31 carries, while the Syracuse defense recorded four sacks.
The defeat highlights a continuing trend for the Mustangs away from home. SMU remains undefeated at home in ACC play since joining the conference in 2024, but both of its conference losses this season have occurred on the road.
With the loss, SMU faces a challenging path forward for a College Football Playoff berth, requiring a strong finish to the season. The team looks to rebound at home in upcoming games, beginning with a Friday night matchup against Virginia Tech at Ford Stadium.