Tulsa 40, SMU 31: What We Learned

[caption id="attachment_19553" align="alignright" width="278"]Photo by Jeff Goldberg Photo by Jeff Goldberg[/caption] The second quarter haunts the Mustangs. SMU is dismal in the second quarter. The quarter has spooked the team all season long, and it was no different on Halloween. The Mustangs jumped out to another quick start, but their 11 point lead dissolved. Both sides of the ball crumbled, like they have all season, and Tulsa scored three touchdowns during the second quarter. The Golden Hurricane scored twice in the final two minutes and 33 seconds to take the halftime lead. Matt Davis’ pick six gifted the Golden Hurricane’s second touchdown, and Tulsa scored again with 19 seconds left in the half. Opponents have now outscored SMU 93-45 this season. Not a One Trick Pony. Matt Davis directs the Mustang attack, but he can’t do it himself. Courtland Sutton has become one of the nation’s top targets, and finally had his breakout performance. He entered the game, tied for 13^th in receiving touchdowns, and added two today. His season total is up to nine after recording career-highs in receptions (8) and receiving yards (165). He was especially important on today’s scoring drives because the run game was ineffective. He recorded seven receptions and 151 yards on those drives. Turnovers trip up the Mustangs. The Mustangs were great hosts for the Golden Hurricane, and parents will hope to replicate their good deeds during trick-or-treat hours on Saturday night. Tulsa not only walked away with a victory, but they took some treats with them. SMU handed out two hot-off-the-plate turnovers, and both resulted in Hurricane touchdowns. Deion Sanders Jr. joined in Davis’ party and fumbled a punt return in the third quarter. Tulsa’s lead was extended to nine, and it was too much for the Ponies to overcome. SMU was unsuccessful on two of its three fourth down attempts, and they missed a field goal late in the game.