G5 Football Daily

TAKEAWAYS: SMU Dominates In Rivalry Win Over North Texas

Rhett Lashlee and the Mustangs have yet to lose in AAC play during the 2023 season. Friday night also widened SMU's already substantial lead in the all-time

Joe Londergan

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Rhett Lashlee and the Mustangs have yet to lose in AAC play during the 2023 season.

Friday night also widened SMU's already substantial lead in the all-time series against North Texas. The Mustangs ended the day with a 45-21 win against the Mean Green, improving SMU's overall record to 8-2 with a 6-0 record in conference play.

Here's what stood out in the latest win for the SMU Mustangs, keeping them tied for the lead in the AAC.

Season High In Rushing Yardage For The Ponies

318 rushing yards was the largest single-game total for Rhett Lashlee's squad this season. The run game was dominant all day, with two different backs going over 100 yards, four different rushers scoring a touchdown, and three different rushers that had runs of over 20 yards. 

At 5.5 yards per carry, they reached an average they have only hit two other times this year. It allowed them to win the time of possession battle with over 33 minutes of possession.

Chandler Rogers' Ball Security

In each of the last two weeks, North Texas quarterback Chandler Rogers has turned the ball over at a high volume. Against UTSA on November 4, Rogers threw two interceptions. He threw an interception on Friday and lost a fumble, as well.

Rodgers is typically fairly consistent, with just seven interceptions all of last season. Him hitting a stretch of rough play late in the season has contributed heavily to the 3-7 Mean Green now being out of bowl contention. 

Six Wins In A Row

SMU now have half a dozen consecutive victories after their loss to TCU back in Week Four. All four teams at the top of the AAC are riding winning streaks. SMU will face Memphis next week, who have won three in a row of their own. 

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Joe Londergan
JOE LONDERGAN

Joe covers college sports from the Group of Five ranks and beyond. He has worked in the sports industry since 2008, earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville, and a Master's degree from Seattle University.

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