Mustangs Pull Away After Halftime
The SMU Mustangs delivered a dominant second-half performance on Saturday, defeating the California Golden Bears 59-20 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. After a competitive opening half, SMU erupted for 42 unanswered points after halftime to secure an impressive Atlantic Coast Conference victory.
Head coach Rhett Lashlee’s team improved to 6-1 overall and 4-1 in ACC play, continuing its strong start to the 2026 season. The Mustangs used an explosive rushing attack and timely plays from quarterback Kevin Jennings to overwhelm California after the break.
California Keeps It Close Early
California initially gave SMU a challenge, opening the scoring with a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele to Chase Hendricks. SMU responded with a field goal from Brendan Baird before Jennings connected with Kendrick Raphael on a 22-yard touchdown pass to put the Mustangs ahead 10-7.
The Golden Bears continued to apply pressure in the second quarter. Mason Mini scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown, and Towns McGough added two field goals to help California take a 20-17 lead into halftime.
SMU answered with a one yard touchdown run from Raphael, tying the game at 17-17 before California’s final field goal restored its advantage.
SMU Takes Over After the Break
Whatever adjustments Lashlee made at halftime worked immediately. Christian Rhodes scored on a five-yard run early in the third quarter to put SMU back in front. Jennings then connected with Derrick McFall for a 21 yard touchdown, extending the lead to 31-20.
Rhodes added another rushing touchdown later in the quarter, giving the Mustangs a commanding 38-20 advantage entering the fourth.
SMU continued piling on points in the final period. Raphael scored his second rushing touchdown of the afternoon, while Jennings found Jalen Hale for a 17 yard touchdown pass. E.J. Kelly capped the scoring with a 10-yard rushing touchdown, completing the Mustangs’ remarkable second-half surge.
Mustangs Build Momentum
Jennings finished with 223 passing yards and three touchdown passes, while Raphael rushed for 104 yards and contributed two touchdowns on the ground. SMU finished with 491 total yards, including 255 rushing yards, and held California to 40 yards on the ground.
The victory gives SMU valuable momentum as it continues its conference schedule. After allowing 20 first-half points, the Mustangs’ defense shut California out over the final two quarters.
For the Golden Bears, the defeat drops them to 3-5 overall and 2-3 in ACC play. California will need to regroup quickly, while SMU can take confidence from a complete second-half performance.
