In a game full of drama and missed opportunities, No. 22 SMU managed to pull off a 28-27 overtime win against Duke late Saturday night at Wallace Wade Stadium. The Mustangs (7-1, 4-0 ACC) survived despite a rough night handling the ball, losing the turnover battle 6-0 to the Blue Devils (6-2, 2-2).
Duke coach Manny Diaz reflected on the game-deciding moment: “When you get a chance to win a game in the first overtime, you take it. We had that chance and missed three straight goals.”
Duke’s decision to go for a two-point conversion in overtime didn’t pay off. Quarterback Maalik Murphy, who threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns, rolled right under pressure but failed to connect with Eli Pancol in the end zone, sealing the Mustangs’ victory.
SMU’s Brashard Smith was the standout performer, rushing for 117 yards and two touchdowns, including the decisive score in overtime. Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings added 299 total yards, contributing both a passing and rushing touchdown.
Despite Duke’s defense forcing three fumbles and grabbing three interceptions, the Blue Devils couldn’t capitalize on SMU’s mistakes. One of the game’s most crucial moments came with seconds left in regulation. After a Jennings fumble set Duke up in the red zone, Todd Pelino’s 30-yard field goal attempt to win the game was dramatically blocked by SMU’s Jahfari Harvey.
“We knew we had to dig deep,” said SMU’s Isaiah Nwokobia, who recovered the blocked kick. “(Harvey) came through and made a big play in a big-time moment.”
Duke had several chances to put the game away, but the offense faltered in key moments. “The emotions in that locker room are running high,” Coach Diaz said. “Sadness, anger, confusion—whatever you can feel, they’re feeling it right now.”
Takeaways from the Game:
•SMU: Despite an offense that amassed 469 yards, the Mustangs needed some late-game heroics to remain unbeaten in conference play. Their struggles with turnovers were nearly disastrous, but they pulled off a victory in improbable fashion.
•Duke: The Blue Devils’ inability to convert turnovers into points proved costly. Despite an impressive defensive effort, they allowed the most yards they’ve given up all season and couldn’t find the winning edge in overtime.
Historical Context:
According to StatsPerform, FBS teams are now just 2-124 this century when losing a turnover battle by six or more. SMU’s victory marks only the second time in recent history that a team overcame such odds, the first being Marshall’s win over Memphis in 2011.
SMU coach Rhett Lashlee acknowledged the rollercoaster game: “We were humbled by this win and probably put on a clinic for how to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. There were so many moments when it felt like it wasn’t our night, but that’s why you keep fighting.”
Poll Implications:
SMU may climb higher in the AP Top 25, potentially cracking the top 20 if they win next week. The Mustangs’ highest ranking in the past 35 years has been No. 15, a spot they could challenge for if they continue their winning ways.
Up Next:
SMU hosts No. 19 Pittsburgh next Saturday in a highly anticipated matchup. Meanwhile, Duke travels to face No. 6 Miami, aiming to bounce back from a heart-wrenching loss.
Stay with Bull City Citizen for more coverage and analysis of Duke’s season and the latest sports news.
