Honestly, if you told a Dallas local five years ago that the Ponies would be walking into Beaver Stadium as a Top-12 playoff seed in 2024, they probably would’ve asked what you were drinking. But here we are. The SMU football record 2024 season wasn't just a statistical success; it was a middle finger to everyone who thought this program was stuck in the "Death Penalty" shadow forever.
They finished the year 11-3. On paper, that looks great. In reality, it was a wild, exhausting, and borderline miracle-filled run through their first-ever season in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). They went 8-0 in conference play. Read that again. A team that spent decades trying to find its seat at the big table walked into the ACC and didn't lose a single regular-season conference game.
The Quarterback Drama and the Big Switch
Most seasons have a turning point. For SMU, it was early. Everyone expected Preston Stone to be the guy—and he’s talented, don't get me wrong. But after a rocky start, including a frustrating 18-15 loss to BYU where the offense looked like it was stuck in a Dallas traffic jam, Rhett Lashlee made the call.
He handed the keys to Kevin Jennings.
Jennings didn't just play; he electrified the system. He’s the kind of player who makes you hold your breath. Sometimes it’s because he’s escaping three defenders to fire a 40-yard missile, and other times it’s because you’re worried he’s taking too many hits. But the results? Undeniable. Jennings finished the year with over 3,200 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. He was the spark that turned a "good" record into a "playoff" record.
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Breaking Down the SMU Football Record 2024 Game by Game
If you're looking for where the magic happened, look at the road games. Usually, new kids on the block get bullied when they travel. Not these guys. SMU went 5-0 on the road during the regular season.
- The TCU Thrashing (66-42): This wasn't just a win; it was a statement. Putting 66 points on your cross-town rival in the Iron Skillet game? That’s how you start a culture shift.
- The Louisville Nail-Biter (34-27): This was the "Oh, they're for real" moment. Winning at No. 22 Louisville proved the Mustangs could handle the physical grind of a Power 4 schedule.
- The Duke OT Heart Attack (28-27): This game was ugly. Three turnovers, missed opportunities, and a Duke team that wouldn't quit. But finding a way to win in overtime is what 11-win teams do.
- The ACC Championship (31-34 vs. Clemson): This one hurt. SMU clawed back to tie it with seconds left, only for Clemson to nail a 56-yard field goal as time expired. It snapped the winning streak, but it didn't snap the season.
SMU 2024 Performance by the Numbers
Instead of a boring spreadsheet, let’s look at what actually moved the needle. The offense averaged 36.5 points per game. That’s top-10 in the country territory. They weren't just winning; they were fun to watch.
On the flip side, the defense was surprisingly stout. They allowed about 22 points a game, which doesn't sound "elite" until you realize how fast the SMU offense plays. The defense was on the field a lot. Elijah Roberts and the defensive line were relentless, racking up 43 sacks over the course of the season.
Brashard Smith: The Swiss Army Knife
You can't talk about the SMU football record 2024 without mentioning Brashard Smith. The Miami transfer was a revelation. Rhett Lashlee basically said, "I don't care where you played before, you're our workhorse now."
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Smith finished with over 1,300 rushing yards. But he wasn't just a north-south runner. He was a nightmare in the passing game, often lining up in the slot or taking screens for huge gains. He was the safety net for Jennings. When a play broke down, Smith was usually the guy found open in the flat or making a guy miss in the hole. It’s no surprise he ended up being a high-value NFL prospect by the end of the winter.
The Playoff Reality Check
The season ended at Penn State in the first round of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. It was cold. It was loud. And honestly? It was a reality check.
SMU lost 38-10.
The Nittany Lions’ size on both lines was just a different animal. SMU struggled to run the ball, and Jennings was under fire from the first snap. Does it ruin the season? No way. Getting there was the victory. Being the first team to transition into a "Power" conference and immediately make the playoffs is a feat that might not be repeated for a long time.
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Why the 2024 Record Matters for the Future
The "Pony Express" isn't just a nostalgic 80s reference anymore. This 11-3 season changed the recruiting landscape in Texas. Kids who used to ignore SMU in favor of Texas or A&M are now looking at Gerald J. Ford Stadium and seeing a path to the national stage.
Lashlee has built something sustainable. He was a finalist for multiple Coach of the Year awards for a reason. He kept a locker room together through a quarterback change, a conference move, and the pressure of a 9-game winning streak.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans and Analysts
If you're following the Mustangs or looking to understand their trajectory, here’s how to stay ahead:
- Watch the Transfer Portal: SMU used the portal better than almost anyone in 2024. Keep an eye on defensive line additions, as they lost some heavy hitters to the draft.
- Monitor the O-Line Depth: The Penn State game showed that while the skill positions are elite, the trenches still need a bit more "Power 4" beef to compete for a national title.
- The 2025 Schedule Trap: Next year’s schedule includes Miami and a rematch with Clemson. Don't expect another 8-0 conference run; look for how they handle the target now on their backs.
- Kevin Jennings' Development: This was his first full year as "the guy." With a full offseason as the undisputed starter, his ceiling is significantly higher.
The 2024 season wasn't a fluke. It was a reset. The Mustangs are back, and they aren't going anywhere.
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