SMU Wins Ugly Despite Offense Stalling In Rain Against Boston College

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

DALLAS – For most of Saturday afternoon, SMU’s offense looked nothing like the group that had spent September piling up yards and explosive plays.

The Mustangs finished with just 218 total yards, averaged 3.5 yards per play and managed only 58 rushing yards in a 25-16 win over Boston College.

MORE: No. 21 SMU Grinds Out 25-16 Win Over Boston College

And yet they still won by nine.

That may be the most important part of the afternoon.

Rain and wet turf at Gerald J. Ford Stadium were clearly part of the equation. SMU’s offense is built around tempo, sharp route running, quick cuts and Kevin Jennings extending plays when protection breaks down. On a slick surface, all of that becomes harder.

The result was an offense that looked more methodical than dangerous.

Jennings threw for only 160 yards, and SMU didn’t have a receiver reach 50 yards. Kendrick Raphael led the rushing attack with 45 yards on 15 carries.

There were almost no fireworks.

But SMU compensated in other areas.

The Mustangs didn’t turn the football over. Jennings completed 20 of 30 passes with two touchdowns and no interceptions, and SMU converted seven of 14 third downs.

Most importantly, the Mustangs finished drives.

Raphael scored from two yards out. Jennings added a 4-yard touchdown run. Then Jennings hit Roderick Pittman and Derrick McFall for second-half touchdown passes.

Boston College actually outgained SMU 322-218 and controlled possession for more than 33 minutes, but the Eagles repeatedly failed to turn yardage into points.

Penalties didn’t help. Boston College was flagged 11 times for 95 yards, constantly creating longer down-and-distance situations.

SMU’s defense did the rest.

The Mustangs held Boston College scoreless in the second and third quarters and protected a lead even as the offense struggled to create separation.

This wasn’t pretty, and Rhett Lashlee certainly won’t want many more afternoons where his offense barely cracks 200 yards.

MORE: Three Boston College Defenders SMU Must Account For on Saturday

But good teams eventually have to win games when their best unit isn’t at its best.

Saturday, in the rain, SMU did exactly that.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos