SMU Mustangs are off to a promising start, sitting at 5th in the conference with a 5-3 record in league play

In their first season in the ACC, the SMU Mustangs are off to a promising start, sitting at 5th in the conference with a 5-3 record in league play. However, after a tough 25-point blowout loss to the AP Poll's 25th-ranked Louisville Cardinals, SMU is looking to rebound and maintain its momentum as they face a vulnerable NC State team on the road. The Mustangs' task is clear: a win over NC State is crucial if they want to stay in the hunt for an ACC title. The conference is as competitive as ever, with the top four teams—Duke, Wake Forrest, Clemson, and Louisville—combining for just three losses so far. With just a few games separating them from the top, every conference victory is pivotal, and SMU can't afford to falter against a team like NC State, who has struggled this season.

NC State, a team that made a remarkable run to the Final Four last March, has yet to find its footing in the 2024-25 season. The Wolfpack currently sit at 9-9 overall and 2-5 in ACC play, well below the expectations set after their deep NCAA tournament run. The loss of star forward DJ Burns, who was a key contributor to their March Madness success, has been a significant blow to their chances this year. Without Burns, the Wolfpack have struggled, especially in conference matchups, and are in danger of falling further behind in the ACC standings.

For SMU, guard Boopie Miller is the key to success. Averaging 14.3 points per game and shooting nearly 40% from the field, Miller has been the Mustangs' offensive catalyst this season. His ability to drive the offense and create opportunities for his teammates will be vital in SMU’s quest for a bounce-back victory. NC State's primary focus will be containing Miller and limiting his offensive impact. If they can successfully disrupt his rhythm, it could give the Wolfpack a fighting chance to stay in the game.

Another critical battle will take place on the glass, where SMU’s Matt Cross has been dominant. Leading his team with 5.4 defensive rebounds per game, Cross has been a force in limiting second-chance opportunities for opponents. NC State's chances of staying competitive will hinge on their ability to crash the boards and secure offensive rebounds, particularly in the absence of a key interior presence like Burns.

Despite NC State’s struggles, the Wolfpack still have the talent to make things interesting. Guards Marcus Hill and Michael O'Connell have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but without Burns to anchor the frontcourt, they’ve been forced to carry a heavier load offensively. For NC State to have a shot, they’ll need a team-wide effort—particularly in the rebounding department—and a strong defensive performance to slow down SMU's high-scoring offense.

For SMU, this game presents an opportunity to assert themselves as a true contender in the ACC. A win would not only improve their standing but also give them confidence as they look ahead to more challenging matchups. However, with NC State hungry for a win and playing at home, the Mustangs will need to stay sharp and execute on both ends of the floor. As both teams prepare for this pivotal matchup, it’s clear that the stakes are high for SMU in their first season in the ACC. A victory could keep them in the race for an ACC title, while a loss would jeopardize their momentum. NC State, on the other hand, needs to dig deep and find a way to rally after a tough start to the season if they want to avoid slipping further down the standings.

It’s a must-win game for both teams, and one that promises to deliver plenty of excitement as SMU looks to bounce back and keep its ACC title hopes alive.