Advertise on podcast: The Mustang Mood - SMU Sports Podcast

SMU football takes care of business at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, beating the Virginia Cavaliers 23-13 to improve to 5-1 on the season and 3-1 in ACC play. The Mustangs covered the spread and took another step forward as they look to make a run at the ACC title and College Football Playoff. On this episode of The Mustang Mood, we break down SMU's win over Virginia, including Kevin Jennings' turnover-free performance, a huge touchdown from Jalen Hale, and Brendan Baird's big day on special teams. After a frustrating first half defensively, SMU tightened things up after halftime and held Virginia to just three second-half points. We also discuss what SMU improved coming out of the bye week, the remaining issues with penalties and missed opportunities on offense, and why becoming a more disciplined, consistent team could make the Mustangs tough to beat down the stretch. Plus, we hand out our Player of the Game award, recognize several individual milestones, and look ahead to next week's matchup against the California Golden Bears as SMU gets another shot at a team that beat the Mustangs last season. In this episode: SMU vs. Virginia postgame breakdown: 23-13 final score Kevin Jennings reaches 10,000 career total yards Jalen Hale returns to the end zone Brendan Baird earns Player of the Game honors SMU's defense responds in the second half Special teams improvements and the importance of winning the turnover battle SMU's ACC and College Football Playoff outlook Previewing SMU vs. Cal Can SMU keep winning and put itself in position for a College Football Playoff berth? Let us know what you thought of the win in the comments. Subscribe to The Mustang Mood for SMU football postgame reactions, game previews, player interviews, and discussion of Mustang athletics. Visit https://themustangmood.com/ Pony Up!

SMU football is back from its bye week and ready to take on the Virginia Cavaliers at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Can the Mustangs clean up their mistakes, get the offense clicking, and prove they belong among the ACC’s best? On this episode of The Mustang Mood, we preview SMU vs. Virginia, break down the key matchups, and give our score predictions ahead of Saturday’s 11 a.m. kickoff on The CW. We discuss: Can SMU’s offense finally put together a complete performance after some shaky wins? How the Mustangs match up against Virginia’s defense, particularly against the run. Why turnovers could decide the game against a Virginia offense that has protected the football. SMU’s kicking game and the decision to give Brendan Baird a shot. Whether the bye week gives SMU the reset it needs to turn the corner. SMU football recruiting momentum and the announcement of SMU lacrosse. The College Football Playoff’s proposed expansion to 24 teams in 2027. Plus, we reveal our SMU vs. Virginia score predictions and debate whether the Mustangs are ready to make a statement in the ACC. SMU vs. Virginia Matchup: SMU Mustangs vs. Virginia Cavaliers Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas Kickoff: 11 a.m. CT TV: The CW Subscribe to The Mustang Mood for SMU football previews, postgame reactions, recruiting updates, basketball coverage, and everything else happening on the Hilltop. Visit https://themustangmood.com to learn more about the show. Pony up! #SMUFootball #SMUMustangs #SMUvsVirginia

Check out www.themustangmood.comIt’s Pitt week for SMU Volleyball.George Carson breaks down the biggest matchup of the season as No. 6 SMU Volleyball takes on No. 2 Pittsburgh twice this week. The Mustangs enter the matchup 4-0 in ACC play after sweeping Stanford, Syracuse and Boston College while defeating Cal 3-1.George previews both matches against the Panthers, including Pitt’s 14-0 record, 27 consecutive sets won and one of the nation’s most dominant offenses. He also breaks down the matchup with two-time reigning National Player of the Year Olivia Babcock, setter Izzy Stark and the rest of Pitt’s starting lineup.The episode also covers SMU’s biggest keys to the matchup, including slowing down Babcock, winning the battle at the net, spreading the offense and serving aggressively against one of the best teams in the country.SMU and Pitt will meet Wednesday night in Pittsburgh before returning to Moody Coliseum on Sunday for the second matchup.Wednesday, October 7 — 6 PM CT — ACC NetworkSunday, October 11 — 2 PM CT — Moody ColiseumPack Moody. Pony Up.#SMU #SMUVolleyball #CollegeVolleyball #PittVolleyball #ACCVolleyball #PittsburghPanthers

Visit The Mustang Mood: themustangmood.com SMU beat Boston College 25-16 in a rain-soaked grind at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, moving to 4-1 overall and 2-1 in ACC play. It wasn't pretty. The Mustangs managed just 218 yards of offense, botched two PATs and somehow faced a fourth-and-50, but the defense showed up when it mattered.On this episode of The Mustang Mood, George, Jay and Ben break down the win and what it says about this team heading into the bye week. Kevin Jennings accounted for three touchdowns, throwing scores to Randy Pittman Jr. and Derrick McFall and punching one in himself, even as the nation's leading passer was held to 160 yards through the air in the slop.The guys also dig into a monster day from Marques White, who had three of SMU's five sacks, including a strip-sack that Aakil Washington returned 34 yards to set up a touchdown. They also get into Kendrick Raphael's score, the holding penalties that kept killing drives, and the special teams issues that just won't go away.With a bye week up next and Virginia coming to Dallas on Oct. 17, the conversation turns to the ACC race, SMU's path to Charlotte and whether the offense can get back on track for a College Football Playoff push.Boston College had its chances, including a wide-open drop on fourth down in the fourth quarter, but the Mustangs found a way. Ugly wins count too.Pony up.Visit The Mustang Mood: themustangmood.com

Check out https://www.ponchooutdoors.com/mustangmood for the best shirts in the game!SMU defeated Missouri State 34-24 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, but it was far from the dominant win many expected. The Mustangs piled up 592 yards of offense, but turnovers, 12 penalties for 160 yards and continued struggles in the kicking game kept Missouri State in the game.On this episode of The Mustang Mood, George and Yonnic break down SMU’s win over Missouri State and what it means moving forward. Kevin Jennings had one of the best games of his SMU career, finishing 33-of-39 for 464 yards and three touchdowns while setting multiple SMU career and consecutive-completion records.The guys also take a closer look at KJ’s interception, Yamir Knight’s big game, Kendrick Raphael’s all-around performance, Jalen Cooper, Theo Melin Ohrstrom’s two touchdowns and a breakout defensive performance from Tavion Atkinson.With Louisville getting a loss and the ACC race tightening up, the conversation also turns toward SMU’s path through the rest of the conference schedule, Virginia, Boston College and the possibility of a College Football Playoff run.Missouri State played SMU tough, but the Mustangs still came away with the win. Now it’s about cleaning up the mistakes before the schedule gets tougher.Pony up.Visit The Mustang Mood: themustangmood.com

Check out https://themustangmood.com/ for all things The Mustang Mood! SMU volleyball enters the conference play ranked No. 5 in the country, and the Mustangs have one of the most challenging schedules in college volleyball. George breaks down the success of the 2026 SMU volleyball season so far and what the mustangs have left on their slate. He also takes a closer look at the upcoming schedule of ACC play, the biggest games at Moody Coliseum, and what SMU will need to accomplish to make another run in the NCAA Tournament. The 2026 season is here, and expectations are high for SMU volleyball.

Check out https://ponchooutdoors.com/mustangmood for the best SMU shirt out there!Join The Mustang Mood live after SMU vs. UC Davis for an immediate postgame reaction to the Mustangs and their ACC matchup with the Seminoles.Jay and Yonnic break down the biggest moments from the game, what went right, what went wrong, the standout performances, and what the result means for SMU moving forward.Come hang out in the live chat, share your reactions, and join the conversation with fellow SMU fans as we break down the game.Subscribe to The Mustang Mood for SMU football, SMU basketball, recruiting, interviews, game reactions, and everything happening on the Hilltop.

Check out https://ponchooutdoors.com/mustangmood for the best SMU shirt out there! Join The Mustang Mood live after SMU vs. UC Davis for an immediate postgame reaction to the Mustangs and their ACC matchup with the Seminoles.Jay and Yonnic break down the biggest moments from the game, what went right, what went wrong, the standout performances, and what the result means for SMU moving forward.Come hang out in the live chat, share your reactions, and join the conversation with fellow SMU fans as we break down the game. Subscribe to The Mustang Mood for SMU football, SMU basketball, recruiting, interviews, game reactions, and everything happening on the Hilltop.

Check out https://ponchooutdoors.com/mustangmood for the best SMU shirt out there!Hayden Howerton joins The Mustang Mood for a preview of the mustangs first top 25 matchup of the season against Louisville. Hayden, Ben and George break down the keys to the game and what this result could mean for SMU moving forward.Subscribe to The Mustang Mood for SMU football, SMU basketball, SMU Volleyball, recruiting, interviews, game reactions, and everything happening on the Hilltop.

Check out https://www.ponchooutdoors.com/mustangmood for the best looking, most comfortable, and most useful SMU shirt out there! SMU is 1-0 after a wild 27-24 win over Florida State in Week 1. The Mustang Mood breaks down everything from the Mustangs’ win over the Seminoles, including the bizarre power outage that delayed the game, SMU’s dominant defensive performance, Kevin Jennings’ up-and-down night, the offensive line, turnovers, penalties, special teams and what this win tells us about SMU heading into the rest of the 2026 season. Despite turning the ball over four times and committing some costly penalties, SMU found a way to beat Florida State and escape Tallahassee with a win. The defense kept the Mustangs in the game, the offensive line allowed zero sacks, and there were plenty of encouraging signs from SMU’s offense and running game. The guys also debate how good Florida State really is, whether the Seminoles can make a bowl game, and how much we should actually take away from a wild Week 1 matchup. Plus, we look ahead to SMU vs. UC Davis and give our score predictions for the Mustangs’ Week 2 matchup. SMU 27, Florida State 24. The Mustangs are undefeated. #SMU #SMUFootball #FloridaState #FSU #ACC #CollegeFootball #MustangMood

Check out https://www.ponchooutdoors.com/mustangmood SMU football is finally back, and the Mustangs open the season Monday night against Florida State in a huge ACC matchup in Tallahassee. Jay, George, and Yonnic break down everything you need to know about SMU vs. Florida State, including the Seminoles' Week 0 performance against New Mexico State, the Mike Norvell hot-seat conversation, Florida State's dangerous running game, and the biggest questions surrounding both teams heading into Week 1. The guys discuss whether SMU's offense can take advantage of Florida State's defense, how Kevin Jennings and the Mustang skill-position group match up against the Seminoles, and whether SMU's revamped defensive line and secondary can slow down Florida State's rushing attack. Plus, the crew gives their official score predictions, including one prediction that has Florida State pulling off the upset, while Ben shares his film-based breakdown of the Seminoles after watching their entire game against New Mexico State. Is Florida State actually as dangerous as their talent suggests? Can SMU start fast in a hostile Tallahassee environment? And what happens if the Seminoles struggle again on Monday night? SMU vs. Florida State is finally here. Pony up. #SMU #SMUFootball #FloridaState #FSU #FloridaStateFootball #ACCFootball #CollegeFootball

Visit https://www.themustangmood.com for all things Mustang Mood, including our latest episodes and official merch. Jay and George sit down with SMU women’s soccer players Libby Jannereth and Maleeya Martin to talk about their paths to the Hilltop, life in the ACC, and what makes this SMU women’s soccer team so exciting heading into the 2026 season. Libby shares her journey from Allen, Texas, to SMU, while Maleeya talks about transferring from Michigan State and finding her way to the Hilltop. The two also give Mustang fans an inside look at the team’s culture, the challenges of competing in the ACC, and why they believe this young and talented SMU squad is capable of making a big impact this season. We also break down SMU’s thrilling matchup with No. 5 Vanderbilt, the upcoming showdown with No. 1 Stanford, the team’s exhibition against Dallas Trinity FC, and the growing opportunities in professional women’s soccer. Plus, Libby and Maleeya talk pregame rituals, team chemistry, playing in the ACC, their favorite road trips, and which SMU women’s soccer games fans need to circle on the 2026 schedule. Maleeya also shares what it’s like balancing college soccer with her life as a YouTuber. If you're an SMU fan looking to get to know the players and the team behind Mustang women’s soccer, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Pony Up!

Visit https://www.ponchooutdoors.com/mustangmood to get the most comfortable, useful, and stylish SMU shirt this season!SMU football is back, and The Mustang Mood is looking ahead to the 2026 season with one big question: can the Mustangs make another run at the College Football Playoff?SMU enters the season ranked No. 20 in the coaches poll and once again has its sights set on the top of the ACC. The crew breaks down the 2026 roster, Kevin Jennings entering his third season as SMU's starting quarterback, the revamped skill positions, the offensive line, and the biggest questions facing a retooled defense.Can Kevin Jennings take the next step and put himself in the Heisman conversation? Will SMU's young receivers and new additions on defense provide enough production? And does this roster have what it takes to compete with the best teams on the schedule?The crew also goes game by game through the 2026 SMU football schedule, including Florida State, Louisville, Cal, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and the massive road matchup at Notre Dame.After reaching the College Football Playoff in 2024, can SMU get back to the CFP in 2026 and make an even deeper run? The season is almost here, and the Mustangs have much bigger goals than simply competing for the ACC.#SMU #SMUFootball #CollegeFootball #CollegeFootballPlayoff #ACC

Check out https://themustangmood.com/ for all things The Mustang Mood!SMU volleyball enters the 2026 season ranked No. 11 in the country, and the Mustangs have one of the most challenging schedules in college volleyball.George breaks down the 2026 SMU volleyball roster, projected starters, key returners and newcomers, and the biggest storylines heading into the season. He also takes a closer look at the schedule, the toughest stretches of the season, the biggest games at Moody Coliseum, and what SMU will need to accomplish to make another run in the NCAA Tournament.The episode finishes with a preview of the season opener against defending national champion Texas A&M and what to expect from SMU in its first match of the year.The 2026 season is here, and expectations are high for SMU volleyball.

Check out https://themustangmood.com for all things The Mustang Mood! Suli Davis joins The Mustang Mood to talk about her first season at SMU after transferring from BYU, her experience playing for Team USA, and what the Mustangs are looking to accomplish in 2026. Davis had a standout freshman season at BYU, earning Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors before entering the transfer portal and choosing to come back home to Dallas and play for SMU. She talks about what went into that decision, why SMU felt like the right fit, and how the team's new transfers and freshmen have come together. We also talk about her experience with Team USA and winning gold at the U21 Pan-American Cup, her goals for the future, playing in front of SMU fans at Moody Coliseum, and what it's like being part of one of the most athletic teams she's played on. Suli also gives us a look at the team's goals for the upcoming season, the challenging non-conference schedule, Spikes Under the Lights, the Bahamas tournament, and SMU's chances of competing for an ACC championship and national championship. Pony Up! Follow Suli Davis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suliane.td?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==