SMU needed a second-half defensive spark to create some breathing room against Boston College, turning turnovers into points after the Eagles kept the Mustangs' high-powered offense off balance for much of the game.
SMU opened quickly, using the versatility of Derek McFall to move the ball downfield. McFall broke free for a 23-yard gain to the Boston College 11 before Kendrick Raphael finished the possession with a touchdown run. It was Raphael's sixth rushing score of the season and gave the Mustangs an early advantage.
Boston College responded with a more deliberate attack. The Eagles survived two fumbles on an early possession by recovering both, then used a long field goal to get on the scoreboard. Quarterback Dylan McKenzie later found Evan Dickens out of the backfield for a touchdown, capitalizing when the SMU defender missed an opportunity to bring Dickens down.
SMU answered behind quarterback Kevin Jennings. After moving the Mustangs inside the Boston College five, Jennings kept the ball and reached the end zone to put SMU back in front.
Neither offense completely took control before halftime. Boston College created pressure against Jennings, while McKenzie showed an ability to make plays with both his arm and legs. With conditions affecting SMU's normally productive passing game, the Mustangs leaned more heavily on Raphael and the running attack. SMU carried a 13-10 lead into halftime.
The game's momentum shifted after the break.
Boston College moved the ball into SMU territory, but McKenzie lost a fumble while scrambling. SMU recovered, and Jennings quickly converted the takeaway into points, finding tight end Randy Pittman Jr. wide open in the end zone for a touchdown.
The Eagles continued to battle. McKenzie broke off another substantial run and later converted a third-and-long with a completion to Javarius Green. Boston College's defense also continued creating problems for an SMU offense that entered the game among the nation's most productive units.
But turnovers increasingly worked against the Eagles. Another Boston College completion appeared to become a fumble after the receiver began making a football move, with SMU recovering the ball. The Mustangs were able to use those extra possessions to maintain control even when their offense wasn't operating at its usual pace.
SMU eventually extended what had been a 13-10 halftime advantage to 25-10, creating enough separation to withstand Boston College's late attempts to rally. McFall added a touchdown reception along the sideline as the Mustangs continued finding opportunities through the passing game.
The game wasn't a showcase of SMU's usual offensive firepower. Instead, the Mustangs relied on timely defense, takeaways and the ability to capitalize when Boston College made mistakes.
For head coach Rhett Lashlee, the result also continued an impressive conference run. The victory moved him to 25-6 in conference play during his tenure at SMU.
