Dallas, Tx – Saturday afternoon will go down as “Reggie Roberson Jr.” day for the immediate future of the No. 19 SMU Mustangs football history. The sophomore wide receiver had himself a field day against the Temple Owls’ defense, as the Mustangs won before another energized home crowd 45 – 21.
For the first time in Ford Stadium history, two ranked teams took the field Saturday. While Temple was fresh off of two defeats of ranked opponents (Maryland and Memphis) – SMU appeared poised to improve on their undefeated record.
Long drives, wide-open receivers and a scoring offense truly sum up SMU’s execution and Temple’s dismay.
SMU quarterback Shane Buechele also had a career day as he ripped apart the Temple defense. Buechele passed for 457 yards, six touchdowns and only one interception, which came late in the game when his receiver slipped. His favorite target Saturday was Roberson Jr., who caught eight passes for a whopping 250 yards and three touchdowns.
If fans left the stands for a snack, upon return – Roberson Jr. was either catching a deep ball, finishing a play in the end zone or being surrounded by teammates after scoring. It was just that kind of day for SMU.
“We thought coming into the game we had some favorable matchups with some of our skill guys, and we had to execute,” SMU coach Sonny Dykes said. “Shane obviously made some really great deep throws, and Reggie made some plays.”
The SMU run game was powered by an ever-so-tough Xavier Jones, who earned 105 hard fought yards. While he didn’t score any rushing touchdowns this week, Jones was on the receiving end of one of Buechele’s six touchdown passes.
The Mustangs enjoyed an off week following an incredible come-from-behind triple-overtime win over Tulsa at home on Oct. 5. Roberson was injured in that game and definitely benefited from the week off.
SMU is now 7-0 and will play Houston this Thursday. Temple is now 5-2 and currently trailing Cincinnati for first place in the East.