SMU Mustangs Remain Undefeated in AAC Play

The SMU Mustangs rolled past the Rice Owls 36-31 to remain undefeated in American Athletic Conference play. The Mustangs had won their first four AAC games by at least 18 points and were tied atop the league standings.

The Owls were the stiffest competition on SMU's conference schedule so far and provided challenges that the Mustangs hadn't seen since battling Big 12 opponents in September. But SMU prevailed thanks to a strong performance from Preston Stone, who threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score.

The game was close throughout, with SMU leading by as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter. But Rice battled back and tied the game at 31-31 with just over seven minutes remaining.

SMU then responded with a field goal to take a 33-31 lead, and Isaiah Nwokobia intercepted a Rice deep shot with 67 seconds left to seal the victory.

The win keeps SMU undefeated in AAC play and in prime position to make their first-ever AAC Championship appearance.