His third year as a Mustang, and senior J.J. McDermott who is Conference USA’s player of the week this week, has led SMU to a four game win streak and a No. 35 ranking in the AP polls.
McDermott’s biggest game this season was against the No. 20 TCU this past weekend in the Battle of the Iron Skillet. He threw for 349 yards and four touchdowns. The two crucial ones being in the opening drive, as well as the 19 yard pass to Jeremy Johnson which ended the game in over time 40-33.
The loss to TCU contributed to ending the Horned Frog’s 22 consecutive home victories. This was only SMU’s second time to defeat a ranked team since facing the death penalty in 1980.
McDermott transferred to SMU from New Mexico State two years ago. He sat out his first season in 2009 as a redshirt, but got some playing time last season behind Kyle Padron.
This season however, the tables have turned. McDermott got his first exposure in the first game of the season against Texas A&M. After Padron threw two interceptions McDermott stepped up to the plate. He narrowed the deficit against the Aggies, and although he couldn’t pull out a win, he earned the starting position for the home opener against UTEP where he led the Mustangs in a 28-17 victory.
His next debut was in the Northwestern State game where the Mustangs won 40-7 and then again contributed to the Memphis shutout 42-0.
It’s safe to say that McDermott has proved himself and will continue to contribute to the Mustang’s shot at their best season since going 5-1 in 1986.
McDermott is pursuing a degree in business at SMU and is originally from Katy, TX.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SMU chapter.