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DALLAS (AP) -- Ahmaad Moses returned an interception 95 yards for a touchdown and middle linebacker Alexander Kilgore had a much shorter and stranger pick-6 as 16th-ranked SMU opened the season with a 42-13 win over East Texas A&M on Saturday night.

The Mustangs led for good after Kevin Jennings' 63-yard TD pass to Romello Brinson on the third play less than a minute into the game. Jennings completed 22 of 30 passes for 260 yards and two TDs, and ran 7 yards for a score. Brinson had seven catches for 121 yards.

Moses' big play made it 28-3 after Football Championship Subdivision East Texas A&M got to the SMU 8 on the first drive after halftime. He stepped in front of a pass by Eric Rodriguez and sprinted the length of the field untouched.

Kilgore, one of the team's captains, got hurt on his 10-yard TD return in the first quarter. He was limping when he got up and was on the sideline after halftime on crutches and with a protective boot on his left foot.

Will Madonna threw that interception, which first went off 6-foot-4 defensive end Cameron Robertson while he reached over an offensive lineman. The ball then ricocheted off of Kilgore's foot without hitting the ground. He grabbed it and was tripped up by Madonna as he crossed the goal line.

SMU lost top returning receiver Jordan Hudson to an apparent shoulder injury on a 7-yard catch on the first play of the game.

Along with two pick-6s in a game for the first time since 2016, SMU's defense forced a fumble after the Lions drove to the 4. ... The Mustangs made their ACC debut last year going undefeated in conference play, but finished the season with back-to-back losses, to Clemson in the conference championship game and Penn State in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game.

Up next, SMU stays home next Saturday to play former SWC rival Baylor (0-1) for the first time since 2016. East Texas A&M plays at Florida State (1-0), which is coming off a 31-17 upset of No. 9 Alabama.
 

• [16/16] SMU 42, East Texas A&M 13
• SMU (1-0), ETAM (0-1)
• Gerald J. Ford Stadium – Dallas, Texas

• Baylor - Saturday, September 6 – 11am CT – Gerald J. Ford Stadium – Dallas, Texas
• TV: The CW
• Radio: KTCK 96.7 FM/1310 AM | SMU Mobile App/Varsity Network | Sirius XM
• Tickets: smumustangs.com/tickets

• DCTF All-Texas Team: 1^st Team - RJ Maryland, Isaiah Nwokobia, Logan Parr; 2^nd Team - Deuce Harmon, Terry Webb, PJ Williams
• Walter Camp Preseason All-American: 2^nd Team - Isaiah Nwokobia
• Athlon Sports Preseason All-American: Isaiah Nwokobia, Collin Rogers
• Athlon Sports Preseason All-ACC: 1^st Team - Isaiah Nwokobia, Collin Rogers, PJ Williams, Ahmaad Moses; 2^nd Team - Jordan Hudson, RJ Maryland, Logan Parr; 3^rd Team - Kevin Jennings, Cameron Robertson; 4^th Team - Deuce Harmon, Alexander Kilgore, Isaiah Smith, Addison Nichols
• Allstate AFCA Good Works Team: Alexander Kilgore
• Maxwell Award Watch List: Kevin Jennings
• Outland Trophy Watch List: PJ Williams
• Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List: Isaiah Nwokobia
• Jim Thorpe Award Watch List: Isaiah Nwokobia
• Preseason All-ACC: Isaiah Nwokobia, Collin Rogers; Player of the Year: Kevin Jennings (3^rd)
• Lou Groza Award Watch List: Collin Rogers
• Doak Walker Award Watch List: Derrick McFall
• Sporting News All-America: Isaiah Nwokobia
• Davey O'Brien Watch List: Kevin Jennings
• Rimington Trophy Watch List: Addison Nichols
• John Mackey Award Watch List: Matthew Hibner, RJ Maryland
• Bednarik Award Watch List: Isaiah Nwokobia
• Manning Award Watch List: Kevin Jennings
• Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List: Kevin Jennings
• Comeback Player of the Year Watch List: RJ Maryland
• Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List: Kevin Jennings
• Senior Bowl Top 300 List: RJ Maryland, Ahmaad Moses, Isaiah Nwokobia

• Attendance of 33,044 is the largest for SMU home opener since 2014
• SMU RECORD for student attendance 5,176 (4 of the top 5 in SMU history since the start of the 2024 season)

• Score: SMU 42, ETAM 13
  • In 2024, SMU was 2^nd ACC / 8^th NCAA FBS scoring offense (36.5)
  • In 2024, SMU was 1^st ACC / 32^nd NCAA FBS scoring defense (22.1)
• Total yards: SMU 400, ETAM 351
  • In 2024, SMU was 5^th ACC / 27^th NCAA FBS total offense (429.5)
  • In 2024, SMU was 1^st ACC / 26^th NCAA FBS total defense (326.0)
• First downs: SMU 25, ETAM 17
• Third downs: SMU 4-10, ETAM 6-20
  • In 2024, SMU was 3^rd ACC / 27^th NCAA FBS in 3^rd-down conversion offense (44.6%)
  • In 2024, SMU was 1^st ACC / 19^th NCAA FBS in 3^rd-down conversion defense (33.0%)
• Rushing yards: SMU 140, ETAM 107
  • In 2024, SMU was 1^st ACC / 7^th NCAA FBS (100.2)
• Sacks: SMU 3, ETAM 2
  • In 2024, SMU was 4^th ACC / 10^th NCAA FBS in sacks (3.07)
  • In 2024, SMU was 4^th ACC / 24^th NCAA FBS in sacks allowed (1.29)
• Tackles for Loss: SMU 6, ETAM 8
  • In 2024, SMU was 3^rd ACC / 17^th NCAA FBS in TFLs (7.1)

• Captains: Savion Byrd (#54, OL, Sr.), Ahmaad Moses (#3, FS, Sr.), Logan Parr (#71, OL, Gr.), Collin Rogers (#41, K, Sr.)
• Opening Drive Score: SMU scored in 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:53 – 63-yard TD pass from Kevin Jennings to Romello Brinson
  • First time scoring a TD on opening drive of the season since 2021
• SMU had 2 interception returns for TDs (Alexander Kilgore 10 yards, Ahmaad Moses 95 yards)
  • First time with multiple interception return TDs since 11/12/16 at East Carolina
  • First time with multiple defensive TDs since 9/21/24 vs TCU
• Alexander Kilgore had a 10-yard interception return for a TD
  • Third straight season SMU has had a defensive score in the home opener
• SMU is 1-0
  • SMU is 30-12 under Rhett Lashlee (4-0 in season openers)
  • SMU is 20-1 in last 21 regular-season games
  • SMU is 21-4 in the last 25 games overall
  • SMU is 15-1 in the last 16 home games
  • 7 straight season-opening wins
  • 6 straight home wins
• SMU is 27-2 under Rhett Lashlee when scoring 30+ points
• SMU had 8 Mustangs catch a pass
  • At least 7 players have a catch in 28 of the past 31 games
• Kevin Jennings (#7, QB, RS Jr.) -- Maxwell Award Watch List, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List, Davey O'Brien Award Watch List, Manning Award Watch List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Third Team
  • 11-3 as a starter
  • 22-30 passing for 260 yards with 2 TDs
    • TDs to Romello Brinson (63 yards), Jalen Cooper (38 yards)
    • Multiple passing TDs in 9 of his past 12 games
  • 6-12 rushing with a TD (7 yards)
    • 7^th career rushing TD
  • 272 yards of total offense
  • Responsible for at least 3 TDs in 4 of his last 6 games
• Romello Brinson had career highs of 7 receptions and 121 receiving yards, including a 63-yard TD
• SMU had 3 sacks, 6 TFLs and 8 pass breakups
  • In 2024, SMU was 4^th ACC / 10^th NCAA FBS in sacks (3.07)
  • Sacks: Kevin Allen, Cameron Robertson, Terry Webb
  • TFLs: Kevin Allen (2), Cameron Robertson (2), Woo Spencer, Terry Webb
  • PBUs: Isaiah Nwokobia (2), Javion Holiday, Justin Medlock, William Nettles, Tyren Polley Jr., Cameron Robertson, DJ Warner
• SMU had 3 takeaways (1 fumble, 1 interceptions)
  • Multiple takeaways in 7 of the past 14 games
    • First time with at least 3 takeaways since 3 vs Florida State 9/28/24
  • Interceptions: Alexander Kilgore (10-yard TD), Ahmaad Moses (95-yard TD)
  • Fumble Recovery: Isaiah Smith
  • Fumble Forced: Cameron Robertson

• ACC Network
  • Kevin Jennings 63-yard TD pass to Romello Brinson
  • Chris Johnson Jr., 22-yard TD run
  • Alexander Kilgore 10-yd INT return TD 
  • Terry Webb sack 
  • Ahmaad Moses 95-yd INT return TD 
  • Cameron Roberston forced fumble recovered by Isaiah Smith 
  • Kevin Jennings 7-yard rush TD
  • Kevin Jennings 38-yard TD pass to Jalen Cooper 
• SMU Highlights and Head Coach Rhett Lashlee postgame radio | SMU Radio Network on KTCK "The Ticket" 96.7 FM, 1310 AM (Rich Phillips pxp, Scott Garner analyst, Steve Lansdale sideline)
  • Highlights
  • Rhett Lashlee Postgame

• Kevin Jennings (#7, QB, RS Jr.) -- Maxwell Award Watch List, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List, Davey O'Brien Award Watch List, Manning Award Watch List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Third Team
  • 22-30 passing for 260 yards with 2 TDs
  • 6-12 rushing with a TD for 272 yards of total offense

• RJ Maryland (#82, TE, Sr.) -- John Mackey Award Watch List, College Football Comeback Player of the Year Watch List, Senior Bowl Top 300 List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Second Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas First Team
  • 3-34 receiving 

• Ahmaad Moses (#3, S. Sr.) -- Senior Bowl Top 300 List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Athlon Sports All-ACC First Team, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team
  • Had a 95-yard interception return TD (2^nd INT TD of his career)

• Collin Rogers (#41, K, Sr.) -- Lou Groza Award Watch List, Athlon Sports All-America Fourth Team, All-ACC Team, Phil Steele All-ACC First Team, Athlon Sports, All-ACC First Team
  • 6 points (6-6 PATs)
    • Extends SMU CAREER SCORING RECORD – now at 362
  • 6-6 on PATs
    • Extends SMU CAREER PAT RECORD to 182 (182-183) 

• Zakye Barker (#33, LB, RS Jr.) — East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List
  • 3 tackles
• Romello Brinson (#3, WR, Sr.)
  • 7-121 receiving with a 63-yard TD (career highs for receptions and yards)
  • 4^th career receiving TD
• Jalen Cooper (#10, WR, Fr.)
  • 5-73 receiving with a 38-yard TD
• TJ Harden (#27, RB, Sr. ) - East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List
  • 8-42 rushing
• Deuce Harmon (#7, CB, RS Sr. ) - Athlon Sports All-ACC Fourth Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas Second Team
  • 3 tackles
• Matthew Hibner (#88, TE, Gr.) - John Mackey Award Watch List
  • Had 1 reception (-2)
• Jordan Hudson (#2, WR, Sr.) - East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Second Team
  • 1-7 receiving
• Chris Johnson Jr. (#6, RB, RS So.) - Phil Steele All-ACC Third Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Fourth Team
  • 6-44 rushing with a 22-yard TD
• Alexander Kilgore (#54, LB, Jr.) - Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominee, Athlon Sports All-ACC Fourth Team
  • Had a 10-yard interception return for a TD, the first score of his career
• Derrick McFall (#0, RB, RS Fr.) - Doak Walker Award Watch List
  • 9-22 rushing
• Brandon Miyazano (#29, LB, Jr.)
  • Career-high and team-high 8 tackles (was 5)
• Addison Nichols (#63, OL, RS Jr.) -- Rimington Trophy Watch List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Phil Steele All-ACC Third Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Third Team
  • Started at RG in first game at SMU (started all 12 games at Arkansas in 2024)
• Isaiah Nwokobia (#23, S, RS Sr.) - Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, Bronco Nagurski Trophy Watch List, Chuck Bednarik Watch List, Senior Bowl Top 300 List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Walter Camp All-America Second Team, Sporting News All-America Second Team, Athlon Sports All-America Third Team, Phil Steele All-America Fourth Team, All-ACC Team, Phil Steele All-ACC First Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC First Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas First Team
  • 5 tackles and 2 pass breakups
• Logan Parr (#71, OL, Gr.) -- East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Second Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas First Team
  • Has started 27 of the 28 games played at SMU
• Cameron Robertson (#9, DE, Sr.) - Athlon Sports All-ACC Third Team
  • 4 tackles, including 2 TFLs and a sack
  • Had 2 QB hurries and a pass breakup
  • Also had a forced fumble
• Isaiah Smith (#1, DE, Sr.) - Phil Steele All-ACC Fourth Team
  • Fumble recovery
• Aakil Washington (#58, DE, RS Sr.) - East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List
  • DNP
• Terry Webb (#4, DT, 5th Yr. ) - East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas Second Team
  • 3 tackles, including a sack
• PJ Williams (#59, OL, RS Jr.) - Outland Trophy Watch List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Athlon Sports All-ACC First Team, Phil Steele All-ACC Fourth Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas Second Team
  • Started the last 17 games he has played