Week 11: at SMU (Nov. 22nd)
As under-the-radar as SMU was in 2024 before their surprising College Football Playoff run, they enter 2025 with a national spotlight squarely on them. The Mustangs went 11-3 in their first ACC season, largely behind the breakout performance of quarterback Kevin Jennings, who totaled over 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns with both his arm and legs. Jennings returns with Heisman buzz, and expectations are sky-high in Dallas.
A big reason for SMU’s continued optimism is their offensive line, which returns the majority of its starters. That continuity should help the Mustangs replicate — or even improve on — last year’s offensive output. If not for a tough playoff showing, Jennings might be viewed as a frontrunner for the Heisman, and SMU might be seen as the ACC favorite.
Louisville, meanwhile, will be looking to avenge last season’s one-score home loss to SMU. This year’s matchup could again come down to a single possession or a game-changing play. Whether it’s a last-minute drive by Miller Moss and the offense, or a fourth-quarter stop from the defense, the Cardinals will need to deliver in the clutch to pull off a critical ACC win.
Prediction: W (9-2) Louisville 27 - SMU 24
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