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Live Updates: SMU vs. Louisiana Tech

On3 imageby: Billy Embody09/02/23BillyEmbody
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(Matt Visinsky - On3)

SMU takes the field on Saturday a day after receiving and accepting its invitation to join the ACC on Friday. There’s still a football game to be focused on though as the Mustangs host Louisiana Tech.

Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT on ESPNU and it’s the season-opener for an SMU program with high expectations in 2023.

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SMU started off with a nice first down run from Jaylan Knighton then had to go for it on 4th down, which was picked up by Tyler Lavine. SMU’s drive stalled close to midfield. Louisiana Tech took over and after picking up a 1st down, was sacked on two of the three next plays, which forced a punt.

SMU forced a missed field goal on a Louisiana Tech drive and took advantage as Preston Stone found Jordan Hudson for a 67-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring.

On the ensuing possession, Oklahoma transfer Kori Roberson batted down a pass, intercepted it and returned it for a touchdown. That put SMU up 14-0. After another Louisiana Tech punt, SMU drove down to the redzone and was able to get a Colin Rogers field goal to take a 17-0 led in the 2nd quarter.

SMU went 3-and-out after forcing a Louisiana Tech punt. The Bulldogs were called with 12 men on the field and SMU picked up the 1st down. Stone hit Key’Shawn Smith with a deep bomb that put SMU at the Louisiana Tech 30. LJ Johnson then ripped off a run to the Bulldogs 14. Stone found Nolan Matthews-Harris for a touchdown to put the Mustangs up 24-0.

After forcing another Bulldogs punt, LJ Johnson ripped off a 67-yard run with under a minute left to get SMU in scoring range. Stone found RJ Maryland for a 25-yard touchdown pass to put the Mustangs up 31-0 at the half.

On Louisiana Tech’s opening drive of the 2nd half, Bachmeier found Koby Duru on a 53-yard touchdown pass to get the Bulldogs on the board.

SMU was able to drive and get an opportunity at a field goal, but Colin Rogers missed wide left from 49 yards out.

After the defense held, once again SMU drove into scoring range, but Rogers missed a 36-yard field goal try and the score remained 31-7 at the end of the 3rd quarter. The defense responded with a stop, again.

SMU drove down the field, but got stopped on a 4th and 1 that ended its latest attempt to add to its score. When it turned over, the SMU defense stepped up at midfield for a stop on 4th down to send Louisiana Tech’s offense to the sidelines.

SMU’s offense took over with 8:06 to play and drove down the field, milking game clock. Stone hit Maryland for a short pass, who was ruled out at the 1-yard line. LJ Johnson punched it in on 3rd down for the 38-7 lead.

SMU emptied the bench and the Bulldogs drove quickly down the field in the final minute to add a late touchdown. The Mustangs won, 38-14, moving to 1-0.

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