Rhett Lashlee’s SMU Mustangs suffered a tough loss to Baylor. The 48-45 defeat in double overtime stings especially because SMU looked in control late, but couldn’t close it out. Kevin Jennings showed flashes with 295 passing yards and 3 touchdowns, while Tomarion Harden carried the offense with 115 rushing yards and three scores. But injuries played a significant role. Key players like star linebacker Alexander Kilgore missed time due to an ankle injury. And top receiver Jordan Hudson was sidelined with an elbow injury, leaving the offense a little less dynamic and the defense shorthanded.

As SMU pivots to its Week 3 matchup against Missouri State, injury worries linger. The Mustangs are hoping for Kilgore’s return, but decisions remain day-to-day. Meanwhile, the receiving corps is still adjusting without Hudson, who will be out for this week, as per On3. So what went down? Junior linebacker Kilgore had himself a moment in the season opener against East Texas A&M—snagging a pick and taking it 10 yards to the house. But right after the big play, QB Will Madonna clipped him on a desperate tackle attempt, and Kilgore came up limping.

He made it to the end zone but landed awkwardly on his ankle, then headed straight for the medical tent after hobbling off. Talk about a rollercoaster. The injury, reportedly to his ankle, has left Lashlee’s defense scrambling. However, his stat line sounds fine. In the 2024 Season, he racked up 56 tackles—19 solo—plus three tackles for loss, a sack, and three pass breakups. Then we have Jordan Hudson. If Kilgore is the defensive heartbeat, Hudson is the offensive spark. The senior wide receiver is returning after a solid 2024 season and is bringing experience and leadership. But he was forced to exit early in the season opener against East Texas A&M with an elbow injury.

It happened during a screen pass play, where he limped off with that painful-looking injury. He wasn’t even present against the Bears in the week 2 matchup. In the opener, he had just one catch for seven yards. But even without their supposed top guy, SMU’s offense has been rolling. But getting Hudson back could take the passing game to another level. It’s a scary thought for ACC defenses. Romello Brinson and Jalen Cooper have been holding it down at wideout, but once Hudson’s back, likely by Week 4 against TCU, expect him to slide right back into the mix. Coach Rhett Lashlee said the X-rays came back clean for both guys. Still, Kilgore’s status for Week 3 is up in the air, while Hudson’s already ruled out.

The ‘next man up’ in week 3 at Springfield

Missouri State is walking into its Week 3 matchup against SMU in the absence of Alexander Kilgore and Jordan Hudson. But the side still has to be wary of other SMU playmakers who are ready to step up. Romello Brinson has been killing it so far with 11 catches for 247 yards and 3 touchdowns, showing he can take over when the offense needs a spark.

Another young talent is Jalen Cooper. He is also emerging as a key receiving threat with 7 receptions and 2 touchdowns, eager to fill the void left by Hudson. On the ground, Tomarion Harden remains a powerful force. He averaged 78.5 yards per game and three touchdowns, giving SMU a balanced attack that can keep Missouri State guessing. Defensively, Isaiah Nwokobia, the highly praised safety, is vital.

He is tasked with anchoring the back end and stepping up with extra responsibility given Kilgore’s absence. So, while Missouri State benefits from some weakened points in SMU’s lineup, the Mustangs still possess weapons and leaders ready to prove they can win through adversity. It’s going to be a test of depth and resilience for SMU and a chance for Missouri State to make a statement in their FBS transition with this somewhat softer SMU squad to face.