Upset only the beginning
Stunner over No. 11 Houston has SMU reaching for a bowl.
— After losing in overtime DALLAS at Tulsa two weeks ago, SMU direly needed something positive to sustain the young team’s vulnerable spirit.
Another loss would have left the Mustangs facing a steep climb with their confidence in tatters. How they responded to that heartbreaking defeat would set the tone for the season’s second half.
Staying true to coach Chad Morris’ rebuilding blueprint, they took no days off over the bye week.
They reinforced their confidence with full-contact practices, repaired faulty areas, and then traded their surplus of moral victories and “atta-boys” for a major upset.
With their 38-16 victory over No. 11 Houston, the Mustangs put their stamp on the program. They realized their potential. Belief in the system produced the signature win.
“When we came off the field against Tulsa, that was as hurt of a locker room as I’ve ever been part of,” said Morris, who won two high school state championships while going 32-0 at Lake Travis. “And I shared with them that if we could all respond the right way, great things were coming.
“One of many. It’s a process. We’ll come back tomorrow and get ready for our next opponent, but we’re going to turn the city red tonight.” So, what’s next? Instead of searching for motivation and meaning while playing out a dreaded “rebuilding” year, the Mustangs (3-4 , 1-2 AAC) have much at stake over the final five games.
The Mustangs have matched their win total of the last two seasons combined.
They enter Saturday’s game at Tulane with most of their goals intact.
Bowl: The Mustangs have not been to the postseason since the 2012 Hawaii Bowl.
SMU needs three victories to become bowl-eligible. The Houston upset provided some breathing room, but the margin for error is tight because of a relatively tough schedule.
The Mustangs’ closing stretch includes three teams with a combined 16-5 record: Memphis (5-2), South Florida (6-2) and Navy (5-1). Beating Tulane (3-4) and East Carolina (2-5), both 0-3 in conference, will be vital to SMU’s bowl chances.
Toughest obstacles: SMU’s final two games are against East Division coleader South Florida and West leader Navy.