SMU Qualifies For AAC Title Game With Navy Win

It did not take long to see that SMU had Navy outgunned on Saturday. The Mustangs scored early and often en route to a 59-14 win in Dallas. 

SMU will finish the regular season with a 10-2 overall record. The Mustangs finish AAC play unbeaten and will make their first appearance in the AAC title game.

Here are our notes from the Ponies' win. 

Mustangs To The Title Game

With the win, SMU have clinched a spot in the AAC title game against the Tulane Green Wave in New Orleans next week. The Mustangs have the chance to win their first conference championship since 1984. It will be their last chance to win the AAC title as the SMU jumps to the ACC alongside Stanford and Cal in 2024.

First Quarter Strength Continues

300 yards of offense in the first quarter by SMU is an FBS record for 2023. No other team has produced more yardage in a single quarter this year.

Preston Stone's Injury

Unfortunately for SMU, their huge win may have been overshadowed by the injury to starting quarterback Preston Stone. Stone left the field with assistance, while putting no weight on his left leg in the second quarter. Once he reached the sideline, he was carted off of the field. The full extent of Stone's injury was not immediately available. 

Stone has now thrown 28 touchdowns this season, which puts him in the top ten in FBS. 

Scores All Around For The Ponies

Offense was not the only phase in which SMU scored touchdowns on Saturday. 

On special teams, Will Benton recovered a muffed punt in the end zone for his first touchdown as a college player. Isaiah Nwokobia also had a 74-yard pick-six on the opening drive of the third quarter.