Despite a handful of second half mistakes for SMU (2-4, 1-1 in American Athletic Conference), the Mustangs were able to hold off a comeback from the University of Memphis Tigers, winning their first AAC game in history, 34-29.
The scoring came early for the Mustangs, as receiver Keenan Holman hauled in a bullet pass from senior quarterback Garrett Gilbert 45 seconds into the game that went 79 yards down the right sideline for a touchdown, and a lead SMU retained for the remainder of the contest.
In the second quarter was where the game got away from the Tigers though, as the Mustangs scored 24 straight points, including two touchdown runs from Traylon Shead. The starting tail back had his best game of the season statistically, rushing for 83 yards and his two scores, but also contributed to the problems of the Mustang offense, fumbling in the second half.
Gilbert also got into the scoring column for a second time with a quick pass to receiver Collin Lagasse for an 8-yard score that helped push the halftime lead up to 31-3. That was about the time trouble came around for the Mustangs.
Shead’s fumble was one of three turnovers for SMU that led directly to Tiger scores. As he received a handoff, Shead was stripped by Memphis’ Ryan Coleman, who ran into the end zone for the Tigers’ first touchdown of the day.
The lead was cut even more about five minutes into the fourth quarter, as JaBryce Taylor fielded a punt for the Mustangs but fumbled into the hands of a very active Coleman, running it back 19 yards for his second score of the game.
SMU’s last blunder was cashed in after Gilbert threw an interception that went all the way to the house, but was called back for a premature celebration on Memphis. Tigers’ running back Brandon Hayes finished off the drive four plays later with a 1-yard plunge over the goal line.
Although Memphis was able cut the score down to two-possessions, SMU was able to finish off the effort thanks to that scoring flurry in the second quarter.
Homecoming next week will be a strong test for this team, as they return to Ford Stadium to take on the Temple Owls.
