From the Other Sideline: Cal vs SMU Preview
The Bears will be facing perhaps their biggest challenge of the 2024 season on Saturday as they head to Dallas to face #9 SMU (10-1/7-0)
We talked with SMU beat writer Jordan Hofeditz to get a preview for what Cal fans can expect in their final regular season game vs SMU on Saturday.
“Two of the biggest things Rhett Lashlee did when he returned to SMU as the head coach before the 2022 season, he prioritized two things. One was acting like a Power 5 program even if they weren't in a power conference yet. They recruited like it and tried to do everything at a high level. That meant, once the move happened, they didn't have to change anything, but they finally had the final piece of the puzzle when it came to recruiting.
“The other was focusing on defense. It had always been a bit of an afterthought at SMU, where offense had always been the focus. By bringing in Scott Symons and the defensive staff he built, it became a part of SMU's identity.
Sorting out the quarterback position also played a key role in SMU’s emergence as a national power this season.
“Even though Preston Stone was named the starter going into the season, splitting reps with Kevin Jennings through the first three games didn't allow the offense to develop an identity. Stone probably had the higher floor with Jennings being a less proven commodity, but Jennings has the higher ceiling and that's what Lashlee & Co. bet on making the switch.
“When Jennings was named the full-time starter, that changed and the offense was able to develop with him under center. Jennings brought more mobility, which helped with an offensive line that was still coming together early in the season and he is just a winner, from high school to stepping into games his first two years at SMU. Now getting his first consistent chance at the college level, he is showing his capability to play and operate at a really high level.”
SMU is second in the ACC and fifth in the nation in scoring offense at 39.3 points per game and is what really makes this SMU team tick.
“The offense is built on having big-play ability, but not requiring a big play to be effective. Jennings and Brashard Smith have been an incredible one-two punch. Roderick Daniels Jr. has done a little bit of everything and the outside receivers — Jordan Hudson, Moochie Dixon and Key'Shawn Smith — have gotten better as the season has gone on.”
Though the offense is one of the nation’s best, the defense has more than held it’s own, checking in with the #31 scoring defense at 21 points per game.
“Defensively, the line of scrimmage has been a key. There is talent and depth there and the ability for the front to occupy blocks and rush the passer has opened things up for a strong group of linebackers and safeties behind them. The corners would be considered the weakness after graduating both starters from last year, but has mostly held its own, not requiring Symons and his staff to change anything to protect them.
Despite the disparity in success this season with the Bears coming into the game with a 6-5/2-5 record, don’t expect the 10-1 Mustangs to overlook their final ACC opponent, even with a guaranteed slot in the ACC Championship game.
“Even with the game not determining SMU's ACC championship game fate, there won't be any taking the foot off the gas. At least to start. I do think Lashlee will be more likely to pull and protect players if the outcome is in hand early. But this team knows how good Cal is and how close it is to having a much better record. Plus, SMU is a veteran group that wants its final game in Ford Stadium to be a win and won't overlook anyone along the way.”
Saturday’s kickoff is at 12:30 pst on ESPN2.
Related:
Cal Football Weekly Tuesday Presser
Mendoza Named ACC Quarterback Of The Week