SMU knows the task in return to power conference, looks forward to ACC competition

Updated Aug. 19, 2024 1:02 p.m. ET

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DALLAS (AP) — SMU coach Rhett Lashlee knows the Mustangs didn't get any preseason first-place votes for their debut in the Atlantic Coast Conference, nor does he think they should have.

The school is coming off its first league championship since the Pony Express days, in 1984, a boost that should help the Mustangs in their return to a power conference.

Well aware of what's in store with a week-to-week rhythm that will be more much challenging than the American Athletic Conference, Lashlee is confident just the same.

“We have a new challenge in front of us, and we haven’t done anything,” Lashlee said. “In a good way, yeah, it feels different, but not like everybody is kind of tight. We’re going to find out where we stand. We don’t know. I like our guys, and I’m excited to watch them get to compete with this schedule.”

After the breakup of the Southwest Conference following the 1995 season, SMU bounced across three leagues over the next 28 years, the last 11 in the AAC, capped by a victory in the conference championship game.

Quarterback Preston Stone grew up in Dallas, and his dad went to SMU. He is well aware of the painful past that included the shutdown of the program in 1987 over recruiting violations, the only time the NCAA used the so-called death penalty.

Now Stone is under center for the opening of the era that will put those painful memories to rest for good.

“Obviously, I didn’t live through the glory days,” Stone said. “But I’ve known about the Eric Dickerson, Craig James, Lance McIlhenney days since I was a little kid. It’s really cool how we’re making our way back to that.”

Stone and company

Stone threw for 28 touchdowns with just six interceptions before breaking his left leg in the regular-season finale last season. Backup Kevin Jennings led the Mustangs in the 26-14 victory over Tulane in the AAC championship game before SMU lost to Boston College, one of the new ACC opponents this year, in the Fenway Bowl. Stone figures to get the call in the opener Saturday night at Nevada.

Hurricanes pipeline

The Mustangs have nine Miami transfers on the roster, three of which are new this year. Jaylan Knighton is SMU's leading returning rusher (745 yards) after leaving the Hurricanes. Former Miami teammate Brashard Smith rejoins him in the running back room this year.

Share the wealth

SMU didn't have a receiver with more than 528 yards, but had five with at least 425 yards. Three of those scored at least four touchdowns, led by two returning players with seven apiece in tight end RJ Maryland and receiver Jordan Hudson. Four of the top five in yards receiving are back.

The schedule

All eyes are on the ACC opener at home against No. 10 Florida State on Sept. 28. The Seminoles, who were left out of the final four-team playoff despite their 13-0 record, could have a 21-game winning streak in the regular season when they visit Dallas. That's the middle game of a challenging three-week stretch that starts with crosstown rival TCU and ends with Louisville in SMU's first ACC road game.

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