Memphis running backs Curtis Steele (123 yards) and Brandon Ross (111 yards) contributed to a potent ground game (306 yards rushing), as the U of M dominated time of possession and beat SMU in Dallas Saturday, 31-26.
Tiger quarterback Brent Toney was just effective enough to keep the Mustangs honest, completing 9 of 19 passes, including two touchdowns.
The Memphis defense allowed 311 yards passing but completely shut down SMU’s run game, limiting the Mustangs to 38 yards total.
SMU cut into a 10-point Memphis lead in the fourth quarter with a late touchdown, but missed a two-point conversion and failed in an onside kickoff, to allow Memphis to seal the win. The Tigers are now 5-5, while SMU fell to 1-9 on the season.
–Bruce VanWyngarden
