The Mustangs leave no room for doubt and finish ACC play undefeated

UNIVERSITY PARK – Rivalry weekend didn’t end as well for some of the other top teams in the country as it did for SMU.

While the Mustangs didn’t have an emotional or historic game on the program, there was still a lot at stake in the duel with California.

And while some teams like Miami and Ohio State fell in surprising results, SMU (11-1, 8-0) left no doubt that it is the best team in the ACC this regular season, defeating Cal (6-6, 2-6). 38-6.

Here are five thoughts on Saturday’s win.

Mustangs finish ACC play undefeated

SMU was the only team in the ACC to finish its conference schedule a perfect 8-0 and the first team since Florida State in 1992 to have an undefeated conference record in its first season in a power conference.

For the second week in a row, the Mustangs showed they were on a different level than some of the conference’s mediocre teams by taking an early lead and leaving their opponent’s offense with no answer to their dominant defense.

While SMU had already secured a spot in next week’s ACC Championship Game before Saturday’s game, it capped its perfect first season in the conference.

SMU and Oregon, the No. 1 team in the country, finished as the only two power conference teams without a conference loss.

SMU becomes the sixth different program in ACC history to finish 8-0 in a season.

Another defensive masterclass

After a dominant defensive performance against Virginia last week in which SMU didn’t give up a point until less than five minutes were left in the game, the Mustangs repeated that success against Cal.

SMU didn’t allow Cal to score until late in the third quarter and allowed just 105 yards of offense in the first half and 35 yards in the first quarter.

Six points is the fewest SMU has allowed all season.

As Cal built some momentum in the second quarter with some chunk plays and SMU defensive penalties, the defense responded. Cal had a first-and-goal from the 3-yard line at one point, but the Mustangs forced a few negative plays, including a sack for a 10-yard loss by Elijah Roberts, forcing Cal to attempt a field goal, but it failed didn’t succeed.

Later in the half, Jahfari Harvey had another big sack on fourth down in SMU territory to force a turnover on downs just 30 seconds before halftime, securing their second straight first-half shutout.

After a nine-sack game against Virginia, SMU finished the game with five sacks against Cal, led by Kobe Wilson’s two.

Jonathan McGill also had an interception in the fourth quarter, the only takeaway from the game.

Offensive depth on display

No SMU offensive player had a particularly dominant performance numerically against Cal.

Quarterback Kevin Jennings totaled a respectable 225 yards on 20 of 30 passes and two touchdowns. Brashard Smith was arguably the best with 68 yards on 16 attempts and a score as well as 66 yards receiving on three catches and a second touchdown. Tight end Matthew Hibner had five catches for 48 yards and a score.

But as has been the case all season, SMU’s depth was more impressive.

Eight different pass catchers were involved and seven recorded multiple catches. Four different rushers recorded transfers, including true freshman Derrick McFall, who saw game action for the first time since September after his redshirt was secured.

SMU even used two quarterbacks when Preston Stone entered the game in the fourth quarter after his Senior Day honor and led a flawless touchdown drive in which he completed four of four passes for 75 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown for Key’Shawn Smith.

Four of five touchdowns went to different players.

That depth has allowed SMU to overcome some serious injuries this year and continue to confuse defenses that have been unable to prepare for all of their weapons.

SMU was undone by penalties, limited by sloppy play

While SMU won handily, they could have easily won by more if not for the overall sloppy play and countless penalties on both offense and defense.

SMU committed 17 accepted penalties for 137 yards – 10 by offense and seven by defense. Penalties haven’t been a major problem for SMU since the first few games of the year, but they were a major contributor to SMU losing momentum in the second half.

After taking a 21-0 lead, the Mustangs failed to return to the red zone. Their second-half points came on a 48-yard field goal by Collin Rogers, a 23-yard Smith receiving touchdown after McGill’s interception and Stone’s pass to Smith.

The penalties didn’t decide the game, but SMU must eliminate them before facing much tougher opponents in the postseason.

ACC championship in sight

SMU’s regular season is over, but the year feels like it’s just beginning.

The Mustangs will travel to Charlotte this week to face Clemson in the ACC Championship Game following Miami’s shocking loss to Syracuse. They are seeking their 13th conference title, which would be the third time in program history that they have won consecutive conference championships.

The win over Cal improves SMU’s chances of making the College Football Playoff, regardless of what happens next week. As the No. 9 seed in the nation, the Mustangs should be able to secure an overall bid but will be playing for a coveted first-round bye.

While their regular season showed them to be one of the ACC’s best teams, a clash with a blue blood next week will give the Mustangs a chance to leave no questions as to who deserves the conference crown.

Thanksgiving Hoopfest: SMU star commit leads Dynamic Prep; Kimball storms to victory late

In addition, the comeback of the reigning champions Lancaster fails. Lewisville overcomes adversity; Mansfield Summit secures victory.

SMU’s success in November is more important than ever with the College Football Playoff on the line

The Mustangs are 10-1 in November since Rhett Lashlee took over as head coach, and they have even more to offer this year.

SMU Prediction: Can the Mustangs complete undefeated ACC play with a win over Cal?

SMU hosts Cal at home on Saturday for the regular season finale.

Find more SMU coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.