No. 25 SMU could be a playoff team again, but will have to get in and win ACC title game this time

No. 25 SMU Mustangs need to win the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Mustangs, currently 8-3 overall and 6-1 in the ACC, face a critical game against California, where a win would guarantee their place in the ACC title game. A loss could complicate their path due to ACC's tiebreaker system.

Under coach Rhett Lashlee, the Mustangs have shown resilience, bouncing back from early setbacks in the season, including nonconference losses and a last-second defeat to Wake Forest. SMU's quarterback, Kevin Jennings, has been instrumental in their recent success, with three consecutive 300-yard passing games following the loss at Wake Forest.

Lashlee recently secured a two-year contract extension, ending speculation about potential moves to other programs. His leadership has been pivotal in SMU's strong November performances, boasting a 14-1 record in the month since he took over