Missed red zone chances, poor second half costs SMU in loss to UCF in AAC opener

Rhett Lashlee’s ghosts of coaching past aren’t treating the first-year SMU head coach with kindness.

The Mustangs are now 0-2 against Lashlee’s old bosses following a 41-19 loss to UCF on Wednesday night in a Week 5 AAC clash that was postponed due to Hurricane Ian. The flashbacks started in Week 4 when Sonny Dykes returned to Dallas to reclaim the Iron Skillet. Gus Malzahn, who coached Lashlee in high school and mentored him throughout the formative years on his early coaching career, led his Knights past SMU on Wednesday night. UCF outscored the Mustangs 31-0 to start the second half to overcome a three-point halftime deficit. SMU added a late rushing touchdown to avoid a shut out in the second half.