Nobody Expected Mustangs' Win, but 28-11 Closer Than Expected

Preston Stone gets 250 yards passing, but Ponies couldn't get more in end zone

Considering SMU's 28-11 loss to Oklahoma on Saturday was around what a lot of folks expected, the most newsworthy part of the entire game nationally was an appearance by a former coach that created a lot of criticism ... directed at the Sooners.

The Mustangs made it respectable and probably gave coach Rhett Lashlee a lot of positives, particulary with how quarterback Preston Stone handled the whole circus-like atmosphere in Norman, Okla., that goes with any OU game.

Getting more total offense than the Sooners (367 to 365) is one huge positive for the Ponies as quarterback Preston Stone actually had a decent day with 250 yards and a touchdown, completing 25-of-46 through the air with just one interception. Those weren't great, but considering it was against a Big 12 team Lashlee said last week looked like a playoff contender, it's not bad.

The turnovers probably weren't killers like a blocked punt. Andrel Anthony caught seven passes for 76 yards and a touchdown for the Sooners (2-0), and linebacker Danny Stutsman anchored a steady defense with 17 tackles and a sack. Jaylan Knighton had 103 yards from scrimmage and Jake Bailey had seven catches for 73 yards for SMU (1-1).

Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel connected with Tawee Anthony for a 29-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring in the first quarter three plays after Peyton Bowen blocked a punt to set up the Sooners at the SMU 40.

Gabriel's 2-yard pass to Blake Smith closed a 13-play, 94-yard drive and put the Sooners up 14-3 in the second quarter.

SMU tightened the game in the quarter when Stone found Stone Eby in the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown pass. Stone connected with Jake Bailey for the 2-point conversion to cut OU's lead to 14-11 with 12:09 left.

Oklahoma didn't waste time answering as Gabriel connected with Jalil Farooq for 21 yards three minutes after SMU's touchdown to go up 21-11.

The Sooners stopped the Mustangs on downs, then slammed the door shut. Gabriel found Marcus Major in the flat for a 27-yard touchdown pass, and the Sooners controlled the game from there.

The Ponies, now 1-1 on the year, will host Prairie View on Saturday at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast only on ESPN+, but you can hear it on The Ticket 1310 AM and 96.7 FM.