SportsDirect Inc. staff
Nov 24, 2012
Southern Methodist 35, Tulsa 27: Zach Line ran for three touchdowns and the host Mustangs handed the Golden Hurricane their first Conference USA loss.
Tulsa (9-3, 7-1) already clinched the West Division title and a spot in the conference championship game against Central Florida on Dec. 1. The Golden Hurricane came out flat, but rallied from a 35-6 deficit late in the third quarter to make it interesting.
After Cody Green threw two touchdown passes, Alex Singleton scored on a 1-yard run with 5:05 to play. Green hit Willie Carter for the two-point conversion and Tulsa trailed 35-27.
The Golden Hurricane drove to SMU's 35-yard line for a final play. Jordan James made a leaping grab of Green's pass at the 1-yard line, but was shoved of bounds and didn't reach the end zone. A video replay confirmed the ruling on the field and the game was over.
SMU (6-6, 5-3) became bowl eligible with the win. The Mustangs were out-gained 591-305, but took advantage of three turnovers.
Line scored on a pair of 3-yard runs in the first half and had a 10-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Garrett Gilbert hit Der'rikk Thompson with a 25-yard touchdown pass and ran 74 yards for another score in the second quarter. Green was 36-of-64 for 413 yards and three touchdowns.