SMU stops Virginia Tech early in 51-28 victory

Kevin Jennings threw for 350 yards and four touchdowns to lead SMU to a 51-28 victory over Virginia Tech on Friday night. The Mustangs scored on every one of their first eight drives to secure the win. The result improves SMU's record to 7-2 overall and 5-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Jennings, who is 26-9 as the team's starter, completed 24 of 32 passes. Yamir Knight caught three of those touchdowns for six receptions and 103 yards. SMU recorded a season-high 569 total offensive yards. That is the most allowed by Virginia Tech in its first season under coach James Franklin.

Virginia Tech, now 6-3 overall and 3-3 in the conference, relied on a 123-yard, two-touchdown performance from Jeffrey Overton. Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer finished with 28 of 38 completions for 291 yards and one score. The Hokies had 417 total yards of offense but could not keep the scoring streak alive.

SMU's offensive rhythm was established by a 12-yard rushing touchdown from Dramekco Green on the opening drive. The Mustangs extended their lead in the first half when edge rusher Marques White forced a fumble from Grunkemeyer. Jennings then connected with Knight on a 46-yard touchdown pass to make it 20-7.

The Mustangs defense recorded four sacks in the game, with White accounting for two. SMU has the most sacks among FBS teams since the start of 2023 with 151 total. The scoring run ended with 5:31 remaining when Brennan Johnson intercepted a deflected pass from Jennings.

The Mustangs are 12-0 in ACC home games. They are 19-4 in conference play since joining the league, the most wins by any team in that span. Only Miami and Wake Forest are ahead of them in the ACC standings. Both teams play non-conference games on Saturday.

SMU will host Wake Forest in its home finale on Nov. 14. Virginia Tech plays at home against Stanford on the same day. The Mustangs played as an unranked team for the first time this season before the win.