SMU erased a halftime deficit with a dominant second-half surge, beating California 59-20 in Dallas. Kevin Jennings set the Mustangs’ career record for touchdown passes, while Kendrick Raphael accounted for three scores as SMU turned a 20-17 deficit into a rout.

By the Numbers
  • SMU scored touchdowns on its first 6 second-half drives and 7 straight drives overall.
  • The Mustangs gained 306 of their 492 yards after halftime.
  • Jennings threw his 73rd career touchdown pass, finishing 16 of 23 for 223 yards and 3 touchdowns.
  • Raphael ran for 104 yards and accounted for 3 scores; Christian Rhodes added 2 rushing touchdowns.
Yes, But

Cal had the upper hand before halftime and led 20-17 at the break. Quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, returning from a concussion, completed 27 of 37 passes for 265 yards and a touchdown, but the Bears managed three straight three-and-outs to open the second half.

State of Play
  • SMU is 6-1 overall and 4-1 in ACC play; Cal falls to 3-5 and 2-3.
  • The Mustangs are 11-0 at home since joining the ACC in 2024.
  • Cal has lost 4 of its last 5 games.
What’s Next

Cal visits N.C. State next Saturday for the second of three straight road games. SMU heads to Syracuse for its only road game in a seven-week stretch.

Bottom Line

SMU’s second-half scoring barrage turned a close game into a statement win—and gave Jennings a milestone to match the team’s growing momentum.