Money to burn
Hey everybody, I’m writing these articles to give some more information on ACC contenders so you are aware of what is going on in the ACC aside from Georgia Tech’s games. I will not be doing an in depth analysis, just a general summary of teams that are expected to compete for the ACC title who GT may not necessarily be playing.
At the time of writing this article, SMU is listed as having the second highest odds of winning the ACC. Given that the Mustangs played for the ACC Championship and made it to the CFB playoff last year you can see why people would like their chances. SMU clearly has a lot going for them in terms of coaching and recruiting (Oil money goes far), but will they actually be good enough to make another run at the ACC Championship this year? Let’s take a look at where they stand.
The Roster:
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
SMU returns their most important player at QB in Kevin Jennings who threw for 3,245 yards and 23 TDs. The Mustangs top rusher in LJ Johnson JR also returns. Those are the primary returning starters, many backups return at O-line and at Wide Receiver, but most of the starters from 2024 have since graduated or run out of eligibility. SMU has not focused much on improving the receiving core in the transfer portal, so they seem confident that the returning backup receivers and top tight end target Matthew Hibner will be sufficient for their passing attack. The O-line was more of a focus for SMU, with a few Interior O-line players transferring in. Based on the talent available SMU will likely be focusing more on using their run game to move the ball consistently.
On defense SMU has lost most of their D-line and Linebackers. This would be concerning, but the defense is the one place where SMU has really focused on in the transfer portal. SMU has brought in 4 D-linemen, 2 EDGE players, and 1 Linebacker from various schools. This is important as if SMU is going to make a run for the ACC title this year the Defense will need to be one of the focal points for the team. We will need to see how these transfers perform on the field, but SMU has spent plenty of money on them so they seem confident that the players will come through.
The Schedule:
Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Critics of SMU will point out that their toughest games last year were road games against Duke and Louisville. This year the Mustangs will have a significantly more difficult schedule with both Clemson and Miami on the docket. The Mustangs also get a home game against Louisville who will be looking for vengeance from last year. All three of those games will be on the back end of the schedule, so SMU will have time to prepare but that won’t make the games any easier.
The Rub:
I had a lot of confidence in SMU to make the ACC championship in 2024 because they returned almost all their starters from 2023 and had a relatively easy schedule. This year is the exact opposite. SMU lost a lot of talent on Defense and has a significantly more difficult schedule going into 2025. These facts haven’t stopped Vegas from giving the Mustangs the second-best odds to win the ACC. Maybe Vegas knows something I don’t.
In my own opinion SMU will be a good team that will probably lose at least 2 games in the ACC. I think SMU has the potential to make another ACC run, but they would need some help. I may re-evaluate things after their first few games where I can see the transfer players in action, but right now that is where I stand on things.
Let me know what you think. Will SMU make another ACC Title run, or was last year just a fluke for the Mustangs? Let me know in the comments below and keep a lookout for more of these articles over the next few weeks.