SMU Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive With Statement Win Over Virginia Tech as Notre Dame Deals Miami a Major Blow
Written By: Malik Boynton
11/7/2026
The Mustangs delivered when they needed it most, and with Miami taking a loss to Notre Dame, the College Football Playoff picture could be getting interesting for SMU.
SMU is making sure its season isn't over just yet.
The Mustangs delivered one of their biggest performances of the season Friday night, dominating Virginia Tech 51-28 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Coming off a disappointing 30-27 loss to Syracuse, SMU responded with an offensive explosion that kept its postseason ambitions alive and sent a message to the rest of the ACC.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings was outstanding, throwing for 350 yards and four touchdowns. Three of those touchdown passes went to wide receiver Yamir Knight, who finished with 103 receiving yards. SMU also generated 569 yards of total offense while finding the end zone on each of its first eight offensive possessions.
The victory improved SMU to 7-2 overall and 5-2 in ACC play. More importantly, it kept the Mustangs in contention for a spot in the ACC Championship Game and gave the program another opportunity to strengthen its College Football Playoff resume.
Notre Dame's Victory Over Miami Could Change Everything
While SMU was celebrating its victory in Dallas, another major development was unfolding in South Bend, Indiana.
Notre Dame entered its matchup against No. 1 Miami with plenty to prove. Despite a 7-1 record, the Fighting Irish were ranked No. 11 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, leaving them with little room for error.
Miami entered the contest undefeated at 8-0 and ranked No. 1 nationally. However, the Hurricanes were forced to face Notre Dame without their biggest offensive weapon, sophomore wide receiver Malachi Toney.
Toney suffered a high ankle sprain during practice and underwent surgery, ruling him out of the matchup. The injury was particularly significant considering his production this season: 73 receptions, 1,027 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. His absence left a major void in Miami's passing attack.
Notre Dame took advantage of the opportunity, building a lead and putting Miami's undefeated season in serious jeopardy. The Fighting Irish entered the game understanding that a victory over the nation's top-ranked team could dramatically strengthen their playoff resume.
What Does This Mean for SMU?
This is where things get interesting for the Mustangs.
Miami's potential conference setback could open the door for additional movement in the ACC standings. SMU currently sits at 7-2 overall and 5-2 in conference play, while Miami and Wake Forest remain ahead of the Mustangs in the conference race.
SMU still has an opportunity to make a statement with its remaining schedule, particularly its upcoming matchup against Wake Forest.
The bigger picture is the College Football Playoff.
With the expanded 12-team playoff format, earning an ACC Championship Game appearance and winning the conference could provide SMU with a direct path into the postseason. A Miami loss would make the conference race more interesting, although it would not automatically put SMU ahead of the Hurricanes.
The Mustangs still need to handle their business and receive help from other teams around the conference.
The Road Ahead for the Mustangs
SMU's remaining schedule presents an opportunity to build momentum at exactly the right time.
November 14: Wake Forest — a critical ACC matchup.
November 21: Notre Dame — an opportunity for a major national statement.
November 28: Stanford — the regular-season conference finale.
The Wake Forest matchup is especially important because it gives SMU a chance to earn a head-to-head advantage against one of its biggest competitors for an ACC Championship Game berth.
The Bottom Line
SMU needed a statement win, and it got one against Virginia Tech.
Now, the Mustangs have an opportunity to capitalize on a potentially changing College Football Playoff picture. Between their offensive explosion Friday night, Miami's struggles against Notre Dame and the upcoming showdown with Wake Forest, the final stretch of the season could determine just how far SMU goes.
The Mustangs aren't just playing for a winning season anymore. They're playing for an opportunity to compete for a conference championship and potentially return to the College Football Playoff.
Dallas has a reason to believe. SMU's season is far from over.