As Tulane running back Sherman Badie took a pitch nine yards into the end zone, the Green Wave took a 31-21 lead with 10:37 to go. With SMU’s offensive line getting dominated and defense giving up big plays, it seemed like an insurmountable deficit.
But Braeden West’s go-ahead 1-yard touchdown with 1:16 to go and a defensive stop after led SMU to a 35-31 comeback win in New Orleans.
SMU started the game strong, as Ben Hicks marched the Mustangs down the field on their opening drive, eventually finding James Proche in the end zone. The two connected again for a 35-yard score and SMU’s defense allowed 80 first-half yards to help build a 21-10 halftime lead.