The SMU Mustangs suffered a disappointing loss to California, losing their chance to compete for an ACC title after a missed field goal in the final seconds.
The SMU Mustangs suffered a heartbreaking 38-35 defeat against the California Golden Bears on Saturday, November 29, 2025, in Berkeley, California, a loss that squandered their control in the ACC title race. The game exposed the Mustangs' struggles to finish strong and highlighted the repercussions of a sluggish start. After the loss, SMU head coach Lashlee expressed deep disappointment, emphasizing the missed opportunity to secure a victory and advance to the championship game.
The team, ranked No. 21 with an 8-4 record (6-2 in conference play), faced a California team (7-5, 4-4) that had recently dismissed its coach. Despite this advantage, SMU faltered, allowing Cal to build a 10-point halftime lead and a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter. The Golden Bears ultimately scored a go-ahead touchdown with less than a minute remaining, nullifying SMU's hard-fought comeback effort. The Mustangs' performance was marked by inconsistency on both sides of the ball. The offense struggled to gain momentum in the first half, accumulating only 74 yards excluding a single 54-yard rushing touchdown by Chris Johnson Jr. The defense, reminiscent of its early-season challenges, conceded multiple long passing plays and was penalized frequently, extending opponents' drives. Coach Lashlee acknowledged the superior performance of the opposing team in the first half but noted SMU's resilience, as they mounted a comeback in the third and fourth quarters, scoring touchdowns on four consecutive drives and briefly taking the lead. However, Cal responded with a crucial drive, culminating in a game-winning touchdown run. SMU had one final chance, but kicker Sam Keltner missed a 52-yard field goal with only three seconds remaining. This defeat dashed SMU’s aspirations for an ACC title and a potential playoff berth. The loss serves as a stark reminder of the importance of consistent performance and the ability to maintain focus throughout the entirety of a game. The loss underscores the critical nature of capitalizing on opportunities and finishing strong, a lesson that resonated with both coaches and players. The Mustangs, known for their tenacity, demonstrated their unwavering determination by fighting back from a significant deficit, but their efforts ultimately fell short due to errors and a strong performance from Cal. Now, SMU must settle for a bowl game, possibly without key players due to opt-outs, and watch as a 7-5 Duke team competes for the ACC title, potentially jeopardizing the conference's playoff prospects. This missed opportunity will require SMU to reflect on what went wrong and to learn from this defeat. The team's goals were within reach at the start of the final Saturday of the season but vanished due to their inability to sustain a high level of play. The focus now shifts towards improving and preparing for next season. Despite the setback, SMU will need to remain optimistic and focus on building upon the positive aspects of this season to attain their goals in the future. The defeat highlighted both the team's strengths and weaknesses, offering valuable lessons that will be crucial for the team's growth and development
SMU Mustangs California Golden Bears College Football ACC Sam Keltner Football
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