SMU hits historic new low in loss to Wake Forest

SMU Football Hits First ACC Loss in Winston-Salem Against Wake Forest

SMU football entered Winston-Salem with an unblemished Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) record, having never lost a conference game since joining the ACC. Still very much in the ACC title game picture, the Mustangs faced Wake Forest with high hopes. However, on Saturday, SMU experienced a new low.

The Demon Deacons snatched victory from the ACC runner-up and 2024 College Football Playoff contender with a walk-off field goal. This marked SMU’s first defeat in ACC play since joining the conference. College football reporter Matt Fortuna notes that this is also the Mustangs’ first conference loss since November 17, 2022, when Tulane—then an American Athletic Conference team—upended SMU. At that time, both teams were members of the American Athletic Conference.

SMU’s Offensive Struggles vs. Wake Forest

The Mustangs introduced a high-octane offense in their ACC debut last season under quarterback Kevin Jennings. Jennings had recently impressed fans with a dazzling behind-the-back pass, showcasing the potential of SMU’s 2024 attack. However, against Wake Forest, SMU and Jennings looked far from their usual dynamic form.

The Dallas-based university went punt, turnover on downs, punt, and another punt on their first four possessions, struggling to generate offense. They did not put points on the board until their fifth offensive possession, when kicker Sam Keltner converted a 36-yard field goal. But on the very next drive, Jennings took a sack and lost the ball, with Wake Forest’s Jayden Loving recovering the fumble caused by Gabe Kirschke.

SMU’s lone touchdown came late in the third quarter when Shaadie Clayton-Johnson scored on a six-yard run. Despite this, the Mustangs had trouble moving the ball on the ground, managing just 75 total rushing yards at 2.7 yards per carry. Jennings, a dual-threat quarterback, contributed only seven rushing yards and threw for 171 yards. He was also intercepted by Wake Forest’s Karon Prunty.

Wake Forest Becomes the First Team in 2025 to Shut Down Jennings

Wake Forest became the first team in the 2025 season to prevent Kevin Jennings from throwing a single touchdown pass. Moreover, their victory ended SMU’s impressive conference winning streak.

As SMU looks ahead, they will need to regroup and address the offensive issues that surfaced against the Demon Deacons to stay competitive in the ACC title race.
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