Know the Enemy 2024: SMU Mustangs Football

A friend answers our questions

credit: calbears.com

We asked our friend to answer some questions about SMU football, and Billy from SMU On3 graciously answered the call to be our go-to expert for the upcoming matchup.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some answers were edited slightly for clarity. Any additional input provided will be clearly denoted with “WFC:” at the start.

What would you recommend to a traveling Cal fan to get the full SMU gameday experience (include places to go, best traditions, things to eat, etc.) and why?

I’d hit Bandito’s or Katy Trail Ice House (Uptown) before the game for early brunch, then race over to the Boulevard and walk from Dallas Hall to the stadium. Stop by some tents, introduce yourself and folks should offer food and drink! Postgame, head to Katy Trail Ice House if you didn’t before, or hit the Knox/Henderson stretch of bars and restaurants. There are so many good spots around!

At the start of the season, did you expect SMU to be in contention for both an ACC Title and a CFB Playoff Berth? What in your opinion is the secret sauce? Strong OL? Good receiving room? Stoic defense?

I felt like they’d contend for an ACC Title and thus a CFB Playoff spot, but I felt like they’d lose a couple of league games and ultimately fall out of the conversation. What’s the secret sauce is how this team got better. Kevin Jennings took over and he’s been a star. Factor in Brashard Smith panning out as a converted wide receiver and you’ve got a star. The defense kept playing at a high level like it did last year.

How would you rate the transfer portal class, given SMU’s massive success this season?

A+. They hit on a bunch of evaluations from defensive line to tight end to running back that has paid off in a huge way.

How did you view the Preston Stone vs Kevin Jennings battle to start the season? Was there ultimately a play or two against Nevada or BYU that tipped the scales in the moment and essentially for the rest of the season?

I told our readers that they were locked in a battle before the season, but not many believed me. Kevin’s arm talent and ability to extend plays is what stood out and ultimately pushed the scales his way. He's also super calm in any situation.

Under Rhett Lashlee, SMU has mainly had efficient offenses. This year the defensive side of the ball has more than stepped up to do their part. What has been the biggest source of improvement and how have they limited opposing offenses?

The defense was very good last year but in the AAC. This year, another year together plus a slew of transfer defensive linemen to replace the ones that departed was key to stepping up.

Which player on offense should Cal fans know about?

Brashard Smith. He can do it all a bit from the backfield and is so explosive on offense. He’s also tough and finishes runs well by falling forward.

Which player on defense should Cal fans know about?

Elijah Roberts. He’s among the nation’s leaders in pressures and is a versatile defensive lineman who makes the entire defense better.

Who’s one under-the-radar or X-factor player who could swing this game for you?

Matthew Hibner. If the Mustangs get him involved, it means the offense is cooking, in all likelihood.

What does SMU need to do to win the game?

Run the ball well and stop the run. I know it’s simple, but they’ve been able to stifle teams with their defense and the offense controlling the line of scrimmage has been key.

What does Cal need to do to win the game?

Force turnovers and possess the ball. Basically, what Boston College did this year, but more successful.

How do you see the game going?

Cal is a team more than capable of beating anyone on their schedule this year, but have fallen short in some key moments and sit at 6-5. What SMU’s been able to do since Kevin Jennings took over is perform in critical situations and the defense continued its dominant play. Talking with players this week, you can tell this means a lot to them to send the seniors out the right way. The offense flashes before Lashlee tries to get key players out late. SMU 42, Cal 24

We don't condone violence at W4C, but we like this question as an opportunity for folks to air it out. Whom do you most want to punch in the face?

Probably Brad Marchand.