SMU has gone a combined 17-6 in the last two seasons after the Mustangs finished 7-3 in 2020.

SMU was ranked as high as No. 16 in the Associated Press poll last year. The Mustangs were 7-1 to start last season, but looks to snap a two-game slide entering 2021.

The Mustangs will have a new signal-caller this season as QB Tanner Mordecai, a transfer from Oklahoma, gets the Opening Day start. RB Ulysses Bentley IV was The American’s offensive rookie of the year in 2020 after he rushed for 913 yards and 11 touchdowns on 170 carries. WR Reggie Roberson Jr. was limited to four games, but still had 22 catches for 474 yards and five touchdowns.

K Blake Mazza was a Lou Groza Award finalist at Washington State in  2019.