The SMU Mustangs used a fast start and a bruising ground attack to build a lead that the Duke Blue Devils couldn’t overcome, finishing with a 34–14 win in a game defined by contrasting offensive styles and key turnovers.
SMU jumped ahead quickly with 14 points in the first quarter and added another touchdown in the second to take a 21–0 halftime lead. While Duke showed signs of life in the second half—scoring a touchdown in both the third and fourth quarters—the Mustangs responded each time, never letting the Blue Devils get closer than two scores.
SMU’s offense leaned heavily on the run game, racking up 181 of their 298 total yards on the ground. That efficiency on early downs allowed them to stay ahead of the chains, and they were effective in key situations, converting four of eight third downs.
The Blue Devils, meanwhile, produced more total offense (337 yards) and moved the chains 17 times to SMU’s 12. But two costly turnovers—including an interception and a fumble—stalled promising drives and gave the Mustangs extra possessions. Despite solid passing numbers (248 yards), Duke couldn’t capitalize often enough, managing just two red zone touchdowns on the day.
SMU’s special teams also chipped in with 19 yards on punt returns, while neither team committed a penalty—highlighting a clean but hard-fought game.
Though the Blue Devils won the time of possession battle and were sharp on third down (converting 10 of 14), it wasn’t enough to overcome the early deficit and mistakes. SMU’s early scoring surge and mistake-free performance proved the difference, as the Mustangs controlled the game from wire to wire.
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