SMU Upsets #10 Miami in OT, Ends 50-Year Home Drought

**SMU Stuns No. 10 Miami in Overtime Thriller, Ends 52-Year Home Drought Against Top-10 Foes**

**DALLAS, TX** – In a monumental upset that sent shockwaves through college football, SMU rallied to defeat No. 10 Miami 34-31 in overtime this past Saturday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. The victory marks a historic milestone for the Mustangs, snapping a 52-year drought for a home win against a top-10 ranked opponent, a feat not accomplished since 1971 when they downed No. 10 Texas A&M.

The dramatic contest culminated in an extra session that had fans on the edge of their seats. SMU, receiving the ball first in overtime, capitalized quickly. Running back LJ Johnson Jr. powered through the Hurricanes’ defense from a yard out, punching in the touchdown to give the Mustangs a 34-31 lead. Miami’s subsequent possession saw their hopes dashed when kicker Andres Borregales’ 46-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right, sealing the upset and igniting a jubilant celebration on the Dallas campus.

Before overtime, it was SMU kicker Jake Bailey who emerged as the hero in regulation. With just 1:19 remaining, Bailey calmly drilled a 38-yard field goal, knotting the score at 31 and forcing the extra period, a kick that proved instrumental in the Mustangs’ historic triumph.

SMU’s offense was spearheaded by an outstanding performance from quarterback Kevin Jennings. The signal-caller shredded Miami’s secondary for 311 passing yards and two touchdowns, while also demonstrating his dual-threat capability with 53 rushing yards and another score on the ground. Johnson Jr. was a consistent force in the backfield, finishing with 88 rushing yards and both of SMU’s crucial overtime touchdowns.

For the visiting Hurricanes, quarterback Tyler Van Dyke endured a challenging afternoon, throwing three costly interceptions that blunted several promising drives. Despite the turnovers, Van Dyke still managed 235 passing yards and connected for a touchdown. Wide receiver Xavier Restrepo was a bright spot for Miami, hauling in six catches for 102 yards and a score, showcasing his playmaking ability.

This victory is a colossal statement for SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee and his program. It not only elevates the Mustangs’ profile nationally but also provides significant momentum as they prepare for their transition to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2024, where they will face Miami as a conference foe. The win underscores the growth and ambition of the SMU football program, which has steadily rebuilt itself since the infamous “Death Penalty” era of the 1980s.

Conversely, the loss is a tough pill to swallow for Miami head coach Mario Cristobal, marking a significant setback for the Hurricanes’ aspirations in the ACC and potentially impacting their national ranking. The turnovers proved to be the Achilles’ heel for Miami, allowing SMU to stay in a game that many analysts had projected heavily in favor of the Hurricanes.

The Gerald J. Ford Stadium was a cauldron of energy, with a packed crowd witnessing a performance that will undoubtedly be etched into SMU’s athletic history. As the Mustangs look ahead, this upset win could be a defining moment for their 2023 season, propelling them towards a strong finish in the American Athletic Conference. Miami, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly to salvage their conference title hopes.