Ben Hicks threw for 112 yards and two touchdowns as SMU jumped out to an early lead and coasted to a 58-14 win over Stephen F. Austin in the season opener for both teams on Saturday night.
D.J. Gillins rushed for two scores and Ke'Mon Freeman added a third. Braeden West led all rushers with 86 yards on six carries.
The defense got in on the scoring when Jordan Wyatt intercepted the Lumberjacks' Jake Blumrick, returning it 85 yards for a touchdown and a 14-0 lead with 8:12 left in the first quarter. Later Wyatt sacked Foster Sawyer causing a fumble in the end zone.