SMU Football: 3 takeaways from key AAC victory over Temple
By Zach Bigalke
1. The SMU defense did not disappoint
Temple was playing from behind right out of the gate, and they struggled to meet the challenge against an SMU defense intent on stopping them and locking down victory. The Owls had more success passing the ball than they did keeping it on the ground, but even the high points felt tenuous at best.
Anthony Russo was held to 171 yards and only one touchdown on 18-of-32 passing. His backup, Todd Centeio, added 33 yards through the air as he completed three of his four attempts. In comparison to what Buechele was able to do throwing the ball, the production from the two Temple quarterbacks fell flat.
Similarly, the running game was unable to keep pace with Xavier Jones and the SMU backfield. While Re’Mahn Davis and Anthony Russo both punched in rushing touchdowns, those were the lone bright spots for a ground game that averaged only 2.1 yards per carry. By the end of the game, Temple had just 69 rushing yards on 33 carries.
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SMU’s explosion in their second season under Sonny Dykes and crew has largely been predicated on the performance of a prolific offense. But it is dangerous to neglect just how well the Mustangs are playing on defense this season as they continue to roll through the regular season and push for the school’s first conference title in 35 years.