(Associated Press)

SMU Mustangs lost to the Tulsa Hurricanes 38-7 in Tulsa on Saturday during a grueling game of defense for the Mustangs.

This weekends game was a must win game for both teams as they were both in the hunt for a Conference USA Championship game.

SMU is going home with a loss, and Tulsa will continue on the road to the championship.

Zach Line rushed for a total 118 yards while Cole Beasley had 79 receiving yards.

SMU quarterback JJ McDermott had four interceptions and five carries for negative 33 yards.

All efforts by the SMU offense resulted in only one touchdown.

SMU defensive end Taylor Thompson had a forced fumble as well as a fumble recovery to help aid defensive efforts.

On the other side of the field, Tulsa’s Willie Carter set career highs in receptions helping lead Tulsa to a victory to remain unspoiled in Conference USA play.

Willie was targeted by Tulsa quarterback G.J. Kinne often collecting 13 catches for 173 yards.

Tulsa scored first with a 22-yard field goal in the first quarter by kicker Kevin Fitzpatrick.

Tulsa managed to go up 10-0 before the end of the first with a 2-yard run into the end zone.

Tulsa continued feeding their momentum when Kinne rushed 2-yards again for a score.

They came calling again with a 73-yard drive to make the score 24-0 going into the half.

It wasn’t until the third quarter when SMU found themselves inside the end zone when running back Zach Line ran for 17 yards into the end zone, cutting Tulsa’s lead to 17 points.

Tulsa sealed their win with a pair of touchdowns late in the third making the score 38-7.

Neither teams scored in the fourth quarter.

The Mustangs put up 265 yards total offense while Tulsa managed 451 total yards.

With this loss, Tulsa keeps track with Houston and SMU will try for the Armed Forces or Hawaii Bowl.

SMU plays next weekend at home against Tulane in the homecoming game.