CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — All aboard the Pony Express!
The SMU Mustangs are headed to the ACC Championship game after defeating the Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday, 33-7.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings led SMU a 17-0 halftime lead, the first time they've shut out their opponent in the first half all season.
The South Oak Cliff High School alum ended the game throwing 25-for-33 for 323 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran for a touchdown on a one-yard quarterback draw.
SMU improved to 7-0 in the conference with Saturday's win and will face either Miami or Clemson in the conference title game on Dec. 7. Entering Saturday's matchup, the Mustangs were ranked No. 13 in the nation by the College Football Playoff committee, which is the team's highest ranking since 1985.
The next college football playoff rankings and 12-team playoff bracket will be released on Tuesday. We'll see where the committee finally slots SMU ahead of Miami, who were ranked No. 8 in the nation.
This is the first season SMU has competed in the ACC after winning the American Athletic Conference (AAC) last season.
SMU recently agreed to a contract extension with head football coach Rhett Lashlee. SMU is 28-10 in the three seasons with Lashlee at the helm.
The Mustangs wrap up their regular season against the California Golden Bears, and then the ACC Championship will be played on Dec. 7 in Charlotte. Clemson has already played their entire ACC slate, so the Mustangs' opponent in the championship game depends on the result of Miami's final regular season game.
If Miami beats Syracuse, the Mustangs will take on the Hurricanes. But if Miami gets upset by Syracuse, then SMU will face Clemson.
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