In a season opener that felt like a wild ride on a Texas ranch, the SMU Mustangs managed to wrangle a 24-21 victory over the Nevada Wolf Pack. It was a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, as Preston Stone stepped up to redeem himself, Coach Rhett Lashlee navigated a quarterback conundrum, and the Mustangs showcased their determination from start to finish.
Preston Stone: A Comeback Worth Cheering
Preston Stone, once seen as SMU’s great hope, made good on that promise with a performance that silenced any doubters. After a rough start, Stone found his rhythm just in time, connecting with tight end RJ Maryland for a crucial touchdown that turned the tide in SMU’s favor. It wasn’t just a game-winning play; it was a statement—Stone is here, and he’s ready to lead. The pass to Maryland was a beauty, threading the needle between defenders and landing perfectly in Maryland’s hands. It was the kind of play that makes fans high-five strangers and tweet all-caps celebrations.
Coach Lashlee’s Quarterback Dilemma
On the sideline, Coach Rhett Lashlee had his hands full, managing a quarterback rotation of Stone and backup Kevin Jennings that kept everyone guessing. After the game, Lashlee acknowledged the challenge of choosing the right quarterback for the job. “We’ve got depth at the position,” Lashlee said, “and it’s about finding who can execute the game plan and handle the pressure.” The coach’s cool demeanor suggested that while the QB situation is still evolving, it’s a good problem to have—especially with players like Stone stepping up when it counts.
The Dynamic Duo: Stone and Maryland
The chemistry between Preston Stone and RJ Maryland was on full display, with the pair connecting for key plays that kept SMU in the fight. Maryland’s ability to get open and make tough catches turned out to be a game-changer. It was clear that these two have been putting in the work during the offseason, as their timing and execution were spot-on. The connection between them was electric, and it’s something Mustangs fans will be hoping to see a lot more of this season.
A Game of Grit
The Mustangs’ victory over Nevada wasn’t just about flashy plays and highlight reels—it was a testament to grit and determination. SMU had to dig deep, especially after a less-than-stellar start. The defense held strong when it mattered most, and the offense found ways to make things happen, even with the Wolf Pack in control for approximately 58 of 60 minutes of game time. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was effective, and that’s what counts in the win column. 1 and 0.
Looking Ahead
With the first win under their belt, the Mustangs are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season. There are still plenty of questions to be answered—including at the quarterback position, which for most teams is a bad sign—but if the game against Nevada is any indication, SMU has the talent and tenacity to make some noise this year. The fans are ready, the players are hungry, and the Mustangs are off to a running start.
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just along for the ride, keep an eye on SMU this season. It’s going to be a wild one and you won’t want to miss a minute.
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Images courtesy of SMUMustangs.com