SMU dominated for 3.5 quarters, leading 38-24 with 8:38 remaining, but completely collapsed in the final minutes of regulation and overtime. This marks their third consecutive loss to FBS opponents (Clemson, Penn State, Baylor), suggesting a troubling inability to close out games when holding substantial leads.

Kicker Collin Rogers missed two crucial field goals - falling well short on a 57-yard attempt to end regulation and going wide right on a 38-yard try in the second overtime. These misses directly contributed to the loss and raise questions about the team's ability to convert in pressure situations.

Despite the loss, SMU's offense showed elite big-play ability with QB Kevin Jennings throwing for 296 yards and three TDs, including two 75-yard scoring strikes. Romello Brinson (4 catches, 126 yards) and the rushing attack (TJ Harden's 115 yards, 3 TDs) demonstrated the team can move the ball effectively against quality opponents.

SMU's defense allowed Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson to throw for 440 yards and completely broke down in the final 5:23 of regulation, surrendering two touchdown passes that erased a 14-point lead. The inability to get stops when protecting a lead is a major red flag for future close games.

SMU's next game is against Missouri State, a first-year FBS team in Conference USA, which should provide an opportunity to rebuild confidence and work on closing out games. However, the team needs to prove they can maintain focus against lesser competition after this devastating collapse.

Transfer RB Kendrick Raphael had a breakout performance with 131 rushing yards and a TD on 7.3 YPC, a massive improvement from his 37-yard debut. This establishes him as the primary ground threat and gives Cal a reliable rushing attack heading into tougher competition.

Cal's defense shut out Texas Southern from touchdowns for the first time since 2021, limiting them to 194 total yards and 3-of-14 on third downs. However, this came against an FCS opponent, so the true test of defensive improvement will come against Minnesota.

True freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele threw for 259 yards with one interception and added a rushing TD, building on his three-TD debut last week. His continued development will be crucial as Cal faces stronger competition in Big Ten play.

Cal is 2-0 for the first time in recent memory, but coach Wilcox emphasized many areas need improvement despite the blowout win. The team's true capabilities will be tested against Minnesota, their first Power 4 opponent of the season.