The past is the past and the future for SMU is in the ACC. The Mustangs accept the challenge and debut in Week Zero with an opener against Nevada. Their first conference game comes at home against Florida State on September 28. That gives the team plenty of time to work out the wrinkles and set a strategy.

Special guest Ali Jawad of SMU on Sports Illustrated (follow on X @SMUonSI) joins us with a preview of the 2024 Mustangs under head coach Rhett Lashlee. Following a solid season in the AAC SMU wants to come out of the gates at full steam to make an impression upon their new conference.

As Jawad explains, there's plenty of players on the roster that can make a difference as the transfer portal has been used most effectively. Will digs into the defense before moving on to find out more about the offensive weapons that can put points on the board.

Challenge

Jim goes over the schedule with Jawad and what to expect (reasonably) as SMU looks like it will once again be headed to a bowl. But, what are the stumbling blocks?

Be sure to follow Ali on X (@AliJawad024) for coverage of SMU and he also covers the Dallas Cowboys and Charlotte Hornets.

For more ACC sports news and interviews be sure to subscribe to the ACC Nation podcast or YouTube and also listen to ACC Nation streaming radio. Do it today. Challenge accepted?