Final: SMU 29, Nevada 24

SMU takes on Nevada at 7 p.m. CT on CBS Sports Network in Reno to kick off the 2024 season, playing a Week Zero matchup. Follow along as the Mustangs look to move to 1-0 against the Wolf Pack.

The SMU defense forced a three-and-out to start their 2024 campaign. The Mustangs got the ball in their own half. SMU started their drive with a four-yard run by LJ Johnson, but the next play, Preston Stone was picked off.

After the Wolfpack picked up the first 1st down of the game via a Brendon Lewis run, the Mustang defense got the stop at midfield. The offense will take over at their own 10-yard line.

The SMU offense is off to a slow start as Preston Stone is 1/5 for 23 yards on his opening two drives.

The Nevada offense was gifted a first down on a personal foul on Elijah Roberts that allowed their drive to continue. However, their drive stalls out again near midfield. SMU ball at the 16. Kevin Jennings in at QB.

Mustangs pick up one first down on their third drive. On fourth down, the snap goes over Isaac Pearson’s head and Nevada picks up the ball inside the SMU 10. Nevada eventually cashes in a touchdown to take the lead 7-0 over SMU.

First quarter comes to a close with the Wolfpack leading 7-0 against SMU. SMU start the second quarter with a 2nd and 18 at the Nevada 40-yard line.

SMU starts the 2nd quarter with a touchdown to tie the game at 7. LJ Johnson was stuffed the play before, but scored one play later with 12:56 to go in the 2nd quarter.

Brendon Lewis used his legs effectively to get Nevada into field goal range. Lewis has 51 rush yards so far. Nevada leads 10-7 with 8:38 to go in the 1st half.

Preston Stone came back in at quarterback but had little success. Another 3-and-out for the SMU offense.

Preston Stone found Keyshawn Smith over the middle for a nice gain. After that, the drive stalled for the offense. Colin Rogers came through, drilling a 52-yard field goal into some wind to tie the game at 10.

Nevada drained the final four minutes of the 1st half and waited until there were 9 seconds left to find the end zone. Nevada leads the Mustangs 17-10 at the half.

Stone found Maryland three times on the opening drive of the second half, but the Mustangs only came away with 3 points. Nevada still leads 17-13 with 12:18 left in the 3rd quarter.

Nevada shaved off over 8 minutes on their drive and it ends with a touchdown. Savion Red finds then end zone on a quarterback-keeper. Nevada has their largest lead of the night – 24-13 with 3:23 to go in the 3rd quarter.

The Mustangs still trail 24-13 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

SMU finds the endzone and they convert the 2-point conversion. Mustangs still trail, now only 24-21. Nevada will get the ball back with 8:01 to go in the 4th quarter.

After a huge miscue by the Nevada special teams, the SMU defense comes up big with a safety. The Mustangs at one point trailed by 11, the lead has been cut down to 1, 6:09 to go.

Sure enough, the defense got the stop and it was down to the SMU offense. Preston Stone, who hasn’t had his best day, stepped up and led his team down the field to give the Mustangs the lead, 29-24, with 1:18 to go. A beautiful pass from Stone to find RJ Maryland, who had an excellent game.

The SMU defense finished the epic comeback against the Wolfpack and the Mustangs won 29-24! The final Nevada drive was crushed by an Isaiah Smith sack and the Wolfpack weren’t able to recover, ultimately turning the ball over. The Mustangs kneeled twice and then celebrated a hard-fought week 0 victory.

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