## SMU Mustangs Football Scrapes Past BYU Before Bye Week **SMU Mustangs’ Running Game Rolls Against BYU Cougars** On Saturday, October 15th, the SMU Mustangs football team traveled to Provo, Utah, to face off against the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars. The Mustangs came away with a hard-fought 35-32 victory, earning their sixth win of the season. SMU's offense, led by quarterback Tanner Mordecai, had a big day on the ground. The Mustangs rushed for 287 yards, led by Ulysses Bentley IV's 103 yards and two touchdowns. Mordecai also added 71 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The Mustangs' defense also played well, forcing three turnovers and holding BYU to just 16 points in the second half. SMU safety Wyatt Burns had a big day, intercepting two passes and returning one of them for a touchdown. With the win, SMU improves to 6-2 on the season and 3-1 in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The Mustangs will have a bye week before returning to action on October 29th against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. ### BYU Offense Stalls in Second Half After a strong first half, BYU's offense struggled in the second half against SMU. The Cougars were held to just three points in the second half and converted just four of their 14 third-down attempts. BYU also turned the ball over three times in the second half, which proved to be costly. BYU's leading rusher, Cal transfer Christopher Brooks, was held to just 31 yards on 12 carries. Quarterback Jaren Hall was 21-of-35 passing for 224 yards and two touchdowns, but he was also intercepted twice. With the loss, BYU falls to 4-4 on the season and 1-3 in the AAC. The Cougars will host the Utah Utes on Saturday, October 22nd. ### SMU's Defense Impresses SMU's defense had a strong performance against BYU, holding the Cougars to 32 points and forcing three turnovers. The Mustangs' pass rush was particularly effective, sacking Hall four times. SMU's secondary also played well, intercepting three passes. Burns' interception return for a touchdown was a key play in the game, giving the Mustangs a 14-point lead in the third quarter. The Mustangs' defense will be tested next week when they face a Tulsa offense that is averaging 35.3 points per game. ### Implications for Both Teams SMU's win over BYU is a big resume booster for the Mustangs. The Mustangs are now 6-2 on the season and 3-1 in the AAC, putting them in a good position to compete for a bowl game. BYU's loss to SMU is a setback for the Cougars. The Cougars are now 4-4 on the season and 1-3 in the AAC, making it difficult for them to reach the postseason. BYU will have a chance to rebound next week when they host the Utah Utes. SMU will have a bye week before returning to action on October 29th against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
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