The Miami Hurricanes suffered a setback in their playoff ambitions with a 26-20 overtime defeat against SMU in Dallas. This loss marks Miami’s second in three weeks, posing significant challenges to their postseason hopes.
Overtime Drama
In an intense overtime showdown, T.J. Harden scored a pivotal one-yard touchdown run, sealing the victory for the Mustangs (6-3, 4-1 Atlantic Coast Conference). This win also marked SMU’s 13th consecutive home conference victory, a remarkable feat following their first regular-season loss in the ACC just a week prior.
Critical Plays
Defensive standout Ahmaad Moses was instrumental in SMU’s win. He intercepted Miami’s Carson Beck just short of the goal line during the extra period, placing the Mustangs in a prime position to score. On the final drive, Harden executed four straight runs leading to his game-winning touchdown, igniting a jubilant celebration as students rushed the field.
- Final Score: Miami 20, SMU 26
- Miami’s Season Record: 10th in the rankings, two losses in three weeks
- SMU’s Impressive Streak: 13 home conference wins
Turning Points
A key moment came when Miami’s Marquise Lightfoot was penalized for unnecessary roughness, granting SMU a crucial first down. The Mustangs were facing fourth-and-nine at the time, down by three with just over a minute left in regulation. This penalty allowed them to subsequently tie the game with Sam Keltner’s 38-yard field goal, coming just 25 seconds before the end of regulation.
Player Highlights
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for one touchdown and ran for another, despite playing through a leg injury. His resilience helped the Mustangs recover and tie the score at 17-17 in the third quarter.
On the Miami side, Carson Beck delivered a solid performance with 274 passing yards and touchdowns to Joshisa Trader and Alex Bauman. However, Beck’s two interceptions were costly. His decision to take a knee instead of attempting a final drive in regulation raised eyebrows, especially with time left on the clock.
Next Matches
- Miami Hurricanes: Upcoming game against Syracuse at home next Saturday.
- SMU Mustangs: Scheduled to play at Boston College next Saturday.
This unexpected result not only dims Miami’s playoff hopes but highlights the unpredictability and excitement of college football, where every game can alter a team’s trajectory significantly.
