RENO — SMU quarterback Preston Stone and tight end RJ Maryland knew it was game over well before the clock hit zero.

Even trailing by two scores with eight minutes remaining after an uninspired three quarters of play, they pinpointed what would soon become Nevada’s fatal flaw.

“Unfortunately for Nevada, they played man against RJ, which you just can’t do,” Stone said. “No. 82 showed why you can’t do that.”

Maryland ended up becoming the X-factor for SMU in its improbable 16-point comeback win, as the junior from Southlake caught eight balls for 162 yards and the game-winning touchdown in the 29-24 victory.

Maryland recorded 116 of his yards in the final 10 minutes of the game.

The tight end was by far the most impactful skill player in the game. No other SMU receiver had more than three catches and 28 yards. Nevada’s game high — Cortez Braham — had 66 yards.

His performance also tied Kylen Granson’s record for most career receiving touchdowns by a tight end in SMU history at 14. It’s a record Maryland is sure to shatter this season.

“It’s great to be up there with all the great SMU tight ends that have gone through this program,” Maryland said. “This just shows the greatness of the players that have come before me.”

While Maryland took over in the fourth quarter, the first three were a different story.

“He played as bad a first half as I’ve ever seen him play, just like we did,” SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee said. “And he played about as good a second half as I’ve ever seen him play.”

SMU intentionally gave Maryland touches early in the second half, even if it meant the drive would stall and result in a field goal. The Mustangs knew they’d have to have Maryland involved in any potential comeback.

Their strategy worked, and he heated up at the right time, beating his man to catch a perfectly thrown ball by Stone with 1:18 remaining.

Maryland’s first outing of the season is a step in the right direction toward the tight end reaching the NFL next offseason. After a standout first two seasons on the Hilltop, he’s seeking to follow in his father Russell Maryland’s footsteps, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1991 draft by the Cowboys.

If Saturday’s performance is any indication, the SMU offense is going to rely on Maryland to make some big plays this year that may continue to put him on the radar of NFL scouts over the next few months.

On X/Twitter: @Lassimak

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