SMU Falls To Louisville Despite 197-Yard Game From Kendrick Raphael

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (TXAN 24) — SMU put up 479 yards of offense Saturday night but could not overcome Louisville, falling 41-31 at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.

The Mustangs dropped to 2-1 overall and 1-1 in ACC play.

Kendrick Raphael delivered one of the biggest individual performances of the season for SMU, rushing for 197 yards on 24 carries with three touchdowns. He also added 11 receiving yards for 208 all-purpose yards.

Raphael’s rushing total was the most by an SMU player since 2020 and his four career 100-yard rushing performances.

Quarterback Kevin Jennings completed 24 of 35 passes for 222 yards and one touchdown, connecting with Yamir Knight on a 19-yard score. Jennings also rushed for 35 yards.

Knight led SMU with seven catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.

SMU finished with 257 rushing yards on 45 carries and 222 passing yards. The Mustangs also recorded eight tackles for loss and held Louisville to 3-for-10 on third down.

Jarvis Lee recorded four tackles, two tackles for loss and forced a fumble.

Jennings continued to add to his place in the SMU record book, reaching 9,330 career total yards and extending his program record. He also has 64 career touchdown passes.

SMU returns home next Saturday when the Mustangs host Missouri State at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT on ACC Network.