SMU’s Move to the ACC: How Has it Changed Campus Culture?

SMU’s Move to the ACC

SMU’s move to the ACC in July created a lot of buzz amongst SMU’s student body. Joining this conference has allowed SMU’s sports programs to play against more intense competition. This new competition will increase the team’s chances of becoming nationally ranked. This academic year, SMU’s football and basketball teams will face nationally recognized college programs including Duke and The University of Miami.

Joining the ACC has been viewed as a massive win for the school, specifically for its football program. SMU’s football team has struggled to remain nationally competitive since the late 80s. In 1987, SMU’s football team was hit with the “death penalty” for paying several of the team’s players. This action canceled the football team’s 1987 and 1988 seasons, causing it to lose its competitive advantage. After struggling for 4 decades, SMU football is back in the national conversation.

Current Success

SMU’s move to the ACC has led the football team’s season to an explosive start. In its first 4 games, the football team has a 3-1 record, only losing a contentious matchup against Brigham Young University. The team played its first ACC game against the formerly dominant Florida State. SMU was dominant in this match, defeating the Seminoles 42 – 16.

The team continued its ACC hot streak in its game against the University of Lousiville where SMU won a very close game at 37-27. SMU’s second ACC win helped cement the team as a dominant force in the conference. Additionally, it allowed the team to become nationally ranked 25th. The team’s win streak has given many SMU students hope for its future matchups.

Impact on Campus Culture

SMU’s move to the ACC has generated a lot of positivity and school pride amongst the school’s student body. In the past, SMU students would often leave football games early even if the team was winning due to a lack of school pride. However, the culture and excitement around SMU sports have all seemed to change. Danny Descienza, a senior at SMU noted this change stating, “It’s a noticeable difference. The student section at the football games has been full and has stayed full for the whole game. That never happened in my first three years here.”

Anekah Kelly, a junior, commented on the impact SMU joining the ACC has had, stating, “I think it has really enhanced campus culture. Students are actually coming to football games and staying the entire game. As a football fan, it is fun to see SMU back in the national conversation and I think that’s done a lot to increase students’ sense of school spirit.”