The Southern Methodist University Mustangs nearly pulled off a stunning come-from-behind rally in the fourth quarter against the visiting University of Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday but ultimately fell short 29-27. The loss effectively ends nearly any chance of SMU achieving a bowl game invite this season, putting the coaching staff on the hot seat for the remainder of 2022.
The Mustangs were dreadful on third down throughout the game, converting only two of 15 third down plays. The offense was better on fourth down, converting four of five attempts set up by the inability to get the first down on third down. The lack of efficiency put the offense in a tough spot and forced the team to rely on Tanner Mordecai at quarterback while abandoning the run. SMU totaled only 80 yards on the ground, but Mordecai was able to complete 15 of 25 passes for 105 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
The interception came in the first quarter on an ill-advised throw that was picked by Arquon Bush that set up the first of five field goals kicked by the Bearcats. Mordecai ultimately was injured in the third quarter and replaced Preston Stone, who led the nearly-game-tying drive to put points up late in the fourth. Stone had one touchdown that was bobbled by receiver Rashee Rice, but a diving save by RJ Maryland saved the day. The Mustangs would miss the two-point try following the score, and the defense would be unable to get a stop in order to get a chance at a game-winning drive.
The Mustangs have now lost four straight games and have slipped to seventh in the American Athletic Conference.
The Bearcats’ defense came up big against SMU, recording six sacks and holding Mordecai to -41 yards on six opportunities with the ball in his hands. The rest of the running corps had only slightly more success with Camar Wheaton leading the team with 53 yards, including a team-high 19-yard scamper.
The Mustangs’ defense was porous throughout the game but improved in the second half. Running back Charles McClelland led the Bearcats with 129 yards total, including a monstrous 76-yard rush that went to the house in the first half. The Mustangs also gave up a 22-yard run to Corey Kinner and passes of 34 and 35 yards.
Bearcats’ punter Mason Fletcher got his name in the books this week after kicking the longest punt in college football this season. With the wind at his back, Fletcher hit an 84-yarder to give his defense an opportunity to shut down the Mustangs.
The final scoring drive by SMU was set up on a blocked field goal that was returned into Cincinnati territory, allowing Stone to make the touchdown pass that got the Mustangs within one score. Stone caught a break late in the fourth quarter when his pass was intercepted by the Bearcats, but the play was eliminated by a pass interference penalty against Cincinnati in the red zone. The Mustangs punched the ball through two plays later, but he was unable to connect with special team’s returner Roderick Daniels for the two-point conversion that would have tied the game. Instead, SMU drops to 3-4 while Cincinnati continues on a winning streak that has the team at 6-1.
The Mustangs will next play at Tulsa on October 29.
