Virginia Tech is set to travel to Dallas for a pivotal Week 10 showdown against SMU, a game that pits a rebuilding Hokies squad against a Mustangs team riding a wave of momentum.
A program on the rise
SMU entered its inaugural ACC season with a bang, capturing the conference’s regular‑season crown and later testing its mettle against traditional powerhouses Clemson and Penn State in the playoff arena.
The Mustangs’ offense is anchored by quarterback Kevin Jennings, who has piled up 6,886 passing yards and 58 total touchdowns over the past two seasons, giving the team a potent aerial threat.
Key pieces and departures
Running back Kendrick Raphael contributed 943 rushing yards last year, but the team will be without several departing seniors such as T.J. Harden, Chris Johnson Jr. and Jordan Hudson, who have all moved on to NFL opportunities.
Defensively, SMU has reshaped its scheme under new coordinators, with standout prospect Marques White emerging as a player to watch in the secondary.
Historical context
The two programs have met three times previously, with SMU holding a 2‑1 edge, adding a layer of intrigue to Friday’s contest scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Virginia Tech’s own quarterback, Ethan Grunkemeyer, arrives after a stint at Penn State, bringing a fresh perspective to the Hokies’ attack as they look to stay competitive in a demanding stretch that includes games against Stanford, Miami and Virginia.
Game details
The matchup is set for Friday, November 6, at 7 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast live on ESPN, offering fans a prime viewing slot as the season’s climax approaches.