Navy vs. SMU Short Report | Nov 25, 2023
Gerald J. Ford Stadium
Dallas, TX
Nov 25, 2023
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Game Recap
The SMU Mustangs crushed the Navy Midshipmen with a lopsided 59-14 victory, marking a significant performance heading into the AAC title game. SMU stormed out of the gate, piling up four touchdowns in the first quarter alone, highlighted by Preston Stone's aerial prowess, connecting on a 15-yard touchdown pass to Moochie Dixon and a 27-yard strike to Jordan Hudson. Despite Navy's attempt to stay competitive with a one-yard rushing touchdown by Daba Fofana late in the first quarter, they found themselves overwhelmed by SMU's relentless offense and robust defense.
SMU's defense fortified their dominant display with a pivotal 74-yard interception return for a touchdown by Isaiah Nwokobia. Special teams also played a crucial role, as Will Benton IV capitalized on Navy's special teams mishap with a fumble recovery for a touchdown early in the second quarter. Even Braxton Woodson's impressive 69-yard touchdown run couldn't dent SMU's commanding hold on the game. Preston Stone's unfortunate injury in the third quarter cast a slight shadow on an otherwise explosive performance for the Mustangs.
Key Plays:
Tyler Lavine (SMU)
Rushed for 1 yard touchdown, giving SMU an early 7-0 lead. This significant play set the tone for SMU's commanding offensive performance.
Preston Stone (SMU)
Passed to Moochie Dixon for a 15 yard touchdown, extending SMU's lead to 14-0. Stone's precise throw showcased his strong connection with Dixon early in the game.
Preston Stone (SMU)
Passed to Jordan Hudson for a 27 yard touchdown, putting SMU up 21-0. Stone's deep pass highlighted his arm strength and accuracy, furthering SMU's dominance.
Preston Stone (SMU)
Passed to Moochie Dixon for a 26 yard touchdown, putting SMU up 28-0. This marked Dixon's second touchdown of the quarter, underlining his key role in SMU's offense.
Daba Fofana (Navy)
Rushed for a 1 yard touchdown, putting Navy on the scoreboard at 28-7. Despite SMU's dominance, Fofana's run gave Navy a glimmer of hope.
Will Benton IV (SMU)
Recovered a fumble for a touchdown after a muffed punt by Amin Hassan. This special teams play extended SMU's lead to 35-7, showcasing their opportunistic defense.
Tyler Lavine (SMU)
Rushed for an 8 yard touchdown, extending SMU's lead to 42-7. Lavine's second touchdown run demonstrated SMU's balanced offensive attack.
Tyler Lavine (SMU)
Rushed for a 19 yard touchdown, further extending SMU's lead to 49-7. Lavine's third touchdown emphasized his critical role in SMU's red zone dominance.
Braxton Woodson (Navy)
Rushed for a 69 yard touchdown, narrowing the lead slightly to 49-14. Woodson's explosive run was a rare bright spot in Navy's challenging game.
Collin Rogers (SMU)
Kicked a 30-yard field goal, increasing the lead to 52-14. Rogers' consistent field goal capped off a nearly perfect first half for SMU.
Isaiah Nwokobia (SMU)
Intercepted Braxton Woodson for a 74 yard touchdown return, sealing SMU’s dominant performance and extending the score to 59-14. Nwokobia's defensive play highlighted SMU's comprehensive game control.
Standout Players:
Preston Stone (SMU, QB)
Completed 14 of 19 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns, guiding SMU's explosive offense before suffering a game-ending injury in the third quarter. Stone's precise passing and leadership were instrumental in SMU's first-half dominance.
Tyler Lavine (SMU, RB)
Rushed for 49 yards and three touchdowns on seven attempts, a key factor in SMU's offensive strategy, particularly in the red zone. Lavine's runs underscored SMU's versatile attack.
Isaiah Nwokobia (SMU, S)
Intercepted a pass and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown, epitomizing SMU's defensive prowess and adding to the team's substantial lead in the third quarter.
Moochie Dixon (SMU, WR)
Caught four passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating exceptional agility and hands. Dixon's playmaking ability was a constant challenge for Navy's secondary.
Braxton Woodson (Navy, QB)
Contributed 175 yards of total offense, including a long 69-yard rushing touchdown, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities despite Navy's tough game. Woodson remained a bright spot in an otherwise difficult outing for the Midshipmen.
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Navy Midshipmen
7
7
0
0
14
SMU Mustangs
28
24
7
0
59
