Brashard Smith and ninth-ranked SMU never felt they were finished, even when already locked into the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game in their league debut. “It was really important, just being undefeated in the conference,

Cal has 20 players from Texas on its roster seeking to upset SMU, which has clinched a spot in the ACC Championship Game.

After jumping out to a 21-0 lead, the Mustangs did not return to the red zone. Their second-half points came on a 48-yard field goal by Collin Rogers, a 23-yard Smith receiving touchdown after McGill’s interception and Stone’s pass to Smith.

Cal has won three of its last four games since losing its first four ACC games by a combined nine points. DALLAS — SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings and his teammates have worn shirts throughout their Atlantic Coast Conference debut season declaring the Mustangs as defending champions.

Brashard Smith and ninth-ranked SMU never felt they were finished, even when already locked into the ACC Championship Game in their league debut.

While they clinched a spot in the ACC championship game with a win over Virginia last week, the Mustangs still have College Football Playoff aspirations. Finishing undefeated in the ACC may be necessary to secure an at-large bid if they can’t win the conference.

No. 9 SMU jumped out to a three-touchdown lead and then sealed the game with a fourth-quarter explosion in their 38-6 win over visiting Cal in an Athletic Coast Conference