SMU Upsets No. 10 Miami in OT, Hurts Playoff Hopes

**SMU Stuns No. 10 Miami in Overtime Thriller, Derailing Hurricanes’ Playoff Aspirations**

**MIAMI GARDENS, Fla.** – The No. 10 Miami Hurricanes saw their College Football Playoff dreams take a severe hit Saturday evening as the SMU Mustangs pulled off a stunning 26-20 overtime upset at Hard Rock Stadium. A resilient SMU squad, led by quarterback Preston Stone and a decisive overtime touchdown run from LJ Johnson Jr., handed the Hurricanes a heartbreaking defeat that reverberated across the national college football landscape.

The game culminated in a dramatic overtime sequence that began with SMU’s possession. Running back LJ Johnson Jr. powered through the Miami defense for a crucial 2-yard touchdown run, giving the Mustangs a 26-20 lead. On Miami’s ensuing possession, quarterback Tyler Van Dyke’s pass was intercepted by SMU safety Kori Black, sealing the monumental victory for the visitors and sending the SMU sideline into a frenzy.

“This is a statement win for our program, for our university,” said SMU Head Coach Rhett Lashlee following the emotional victory. “Our guys believed, they fought through adversity, and they executed when it mattered most. To come into a place like Hard Rock and beat a top-10 opponent, it speaks volumes about the character of this team.”

SMU quarterback Preston Stone played a pivotal role in leading his team’s comeback efforts, guiding the offense with poise and making key throws under pressure throughout the contest. The Mustangs improved their impressive road record to seven wins in their last eight away games, with this victory against a top-10 Power Five opponent marking their most significant statement yet.

For Miami (now 7-2, 3-2 ACC), the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, significantly damaging their path to the College Football Playoff. The Hurricanes (7-2 overall, 3-2 ACC) struggled to capitalize on offensive opportunities, particularly in the red zone, where two missed field goals loomed large as potential game-changers. Had those kicks been successful, the outcome of regulation play could have been drastically different.

“This one stings, there’s no way around it,” Miami Head Coach Mario Cristobal stated in his post-game press conference. “We had opportunities, we didn’t convert, and credit to SMU, they played a tough, disciplined football game. We need to regroup, learn from this, and focus on our next opponent.”

Tyler Van Dyke’s overtime interception marked a difficult end to a game where Miami’s offense often stalled at critical moments. The Hurricanes, who entered the game ranked in the top 10, now face an uphill battle to regain national prominence and contend for an ACC Championship, let alone a playoff berth.

SMU (now 7-2, 4-0 AAC), a program on the rise and set to join the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2024, uses this victory as a powerful indicator of their readiness for top-tier competition. The Mustangs continue their American Athletic Conference schedule next week, while Miami will look to rebound in conference play, aiming to put this devastating upset behind them.

The Hard Rock Stadium crowd witnessed a classic upset, a reminder that in college football, any given Saturday can bring unexpected twists and turns, especially when a hungry underdog meets a highly-ranked favorite.