The excitement on the Hilltop is evident after Saturday’s win against Liberty. In SMU tradition, students wore all white to cheer for their team at the first home game of the season.
The game kicked off at 6 in the evening, yet the festivities began early in the afternoon with the first boulevard.
As my Ponies say, “we don’t tailgate, we boulevard!” Gotta love @SMU_Football. -The Ball #PonyUp
— Reunion Tower (@ReunionTower) September 17, 2016
Our football team showing up to Boulevard! #PonyUpTempo pic.twitter.com/McxZrFE2Ud
— SMUBookstore (@SMUBookstore) September 17, 2016
Ready for some @SMU_Football against #Liberty tonight! #PonyUpTempo @ChillinWithZann pic.twitter.com/WBJyTzGfbY
— The New HOT 93.3 (@hot933hits) September 17, 2016
The boulevard featured several changes such as the new Cox-Lyle Red Zone, sponsored by the Lyle School of Engineering and Cox School of Business. The new area is located in the parking area between Cox and Boaz Commons.
The new space has room for 1500 people for each game. The new section also features Block Party Suites with tv’s and activities such as Bean Bag Toss.
While some students were enjoying the new combined Lyle and Cox boulevarding experience, others stopped to snap a picture of this SMU fan, wandering the boulevard.
Good luck tonight @SMU_Football!#PonyUp pic.twitter.com/o0mfXmNKx9
— Victor E. Green (@VictorEGreen) September 17, 2016
After the hot boulevard in the mid 90s, fans took their place in Ford Stadium for kick-off. This game featured the first home game that the team played on the newly installed stadium turf that was replaced earlier in the summer.
We’ve got spirit!! @SMU_MustangBand @SMU_Football #PonyUp pic.twitter.com/zGSvamTxKN
— Tracey Charters (@Tracey03717771) September 18, 2016
It’s a great evening for some @SMU_Football! #PonyUp pic.twitter.com/sMLh3PV244
— SMU Men’s SwimDive (@SMUSwimmingM) September 17, 2016
While the stands were filled with white-dressed fans, the game was anything but clean. Mustangs pulled through with a win after many missed plays, including two interceptions, dropped passes and a missed field goal.
@SMU_Football #PonyUpTempo it had to STOP ! @ChadMorris no more passes in the #RedZone
— MarathonU2 (@MarathonU2) September 18, 2016
@SMU_Football needs to learn how to finish drives they should be up 20 #PonyUp
— Matthew Ashby (@Mashby85) September 18, 2016
SMU’s defense kept fans on their toes, securing five Liberty interceptions and blocking a field goal. SMU secured the win with a touchdown off an interception in the last 18 seconds of the game.
.@lawlerjustin99 blocks a field goal!! SMU holds onto its lead, 19-14! pic.twitter.com/poIzFrMDH6
— #PonyUpTempo (@SMU_Football) September 18, 2016
The 29-14 win against Liberty marked the second win of the season, making SMU 2-1 for this season. SMU exited the 2015 season with two wins and the 2014 season with one win.
In a sloppy, drunk and strange game, #SMU wins. Not sure I’ll cover many more like that one.
— Patrick Engel (@PatrickEngel_) September 18, 2016
@8Hicks @SMU_Football such a proud mustang! Only going up from here. Enjoy the win!! You earned it! #Big12Expansion #ProudAlum #sotired
— sdsmurow (@sdsmurow) September 18, 2016
SMU already won two football games this season. I’m impressed. ��#PonyUpTempo
— Rachel Teel (@rachelmteel) September 18, 2016
Victory tonight for @SMUfootball = red light over Armstrong. 2-1, people. #ponyup #buzzemup pic.twitter.com/5wMmK9EFO7
— Diamond M Club (@DiamondMClub) September 18, 2016
One of the best parts about playing close to home? Having your family there at every game.#PonyUpTempo #TexasTough pic.twitter.com/0CiJcECCVi
— #PonyUpTempo (@SMU_Football) September 18, 2016
Mustangs return to Ford Stadium on Friday for the Family Weekend, red-out game against TCU. For a more detailed coverage of the game, visit this article, Jordan Wyatt and Braeden West lead SMU past Liberty.
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