BYU Enemy Scouting Report: SMU Mustangs

Venue: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX

Playing time/channel: 4:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. ET (Friday), ESPN2

Spread: -11 (SMU)

Matchup History (BYU 4:0)

SMU and BYU certainly have a storied history. The 1980 Holiday Bowl, also known as the “Miracle Bowl,” was the first of four meetings. We all know the story. SMU led 45-25 with four minutes left. Then BYU QB Jim McMahon came in. Before fans could blink, McMahon had led one of the most improbable comebacks in college football history. BYU emerged victorious 46-45 after a successful Hail Mary.

The next time they met was in 1996, and BYU won convincingly 31-3. The following year, BYU won in Dallas 19-16.

Their last meeting was also in a bowl game. BYU led 24-17 until SMU scored with eight seconds left. The Mustangs decided to go for the win and get two points. Cornerback Jakob Robinson blocked the run attempt and secured the win for BYU.

Head coach: Rhett Lashlee

2024 season so far

SMU joined the ACC before this season and became a Power 4 program. After finishing 11-3 last season and winning the AAC, they sleepwalked through a 29-24 win over Nevada. They seemed to turn things around against Houston Christian, winning 59-7.

When SMU has the ball

SMU QB Preston Stone has thrown for 332 passing yards and three touchdowns. Brashard Smith averages 8.5 yards per carry. The SMU offense is strong. Last year, SMU had the eighth-best offense in the FBS season.

BYU's defense will have its hands full, especially with two quarterbacks who have already rushed for more than 50 yards. The Cougars' defense has already shown that it has problems with mobile quarterbacks. Linebackers Jack Kelly, Isaiah Glasker and Harrison Taggart will have to be on guard. Jay Hill (welcome back!) will have to figure out a way to stop the porous defense against mobile quarterbacks.

When BYU has the ball

Jake Retzlaff showed what he can do last week. In Week 1, he was one of the most effective quarterbacks in the Big 12. The biggest question in town is: Can Retzlaff do it again against an FBS opponent? He will also be an additional weapon with the return of Darius Lassiter at receiver. Chase Roberts has shown he can be a No. 1 receiver in his absence.

SMU's defense was 11th best in scoring last season. They also added some conference-level talent in the transfer portal. Of course, SMU is a tougher opponent than Southern Illinois. This will be a perfect gauge of where BYU's offense really stands.

How BYU can win

In all honesty, it won't be easy. As an 11-point underdog on the road, BYU needs several things to go in their favor to win. Retzlaff needs to show that his days of turnovers are truly over. BYU's defense needs to help the offense with a few turnovers, maybe even one in plus territory. Keeping Preston Stone in check in the air and on the ground is key. BYU also needs further improvement in its offensive line. If everything stays even, SMU will likely win. BYU needs some good jumpers.

Prediction: SMU 30, BYU 24