SMU senior defensive end Dimarya Mixon is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, a source told Pony Stampede. The former Tennessee defensive end graduated and transferred to SMU prior to the 2017 season. With the news of his injury coming out, his college career is likely done.

On the year, Mixon tallied 15 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Expect players like Justin Lawler, Tyeson Neals, Delontae Scott and others to have to step up to take on some of Mixon's snap count and production.

Chad Morris and the staff were expecting big things out of Mixon, who was brought along after being nicked up in training camp. Before the season started, defensive coordinator Van Malone talked about the athleticism the 6-5, 250-pound end brought to the defense.

"We have film clips of Dimarya being right in there with defensive backs, chasing down runners. He's a dynamic player, " Malone said. "When you turn on the film, you see him flash athletic ability time and time again."

The Mustangs will also be without defensive back Kevin Johnson, who did not make the trip to Cincinnati, the source said.

Stick with Pony Stampede for the latest on SMU's preparations for Cincinnati. The two teams kick off at 3 p.m. CT on ESPNU.

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