Tom Fox/Staff Photographer
Houston Cougars running back Duke Catalon (2) is swarmed by the Southern Methodist Mustangs defense in the first quarter at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park, Texas, Saturday, October 22, 2016. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)
UNIVERSITY PARK - After losing in overtime at Tulsa two weeks ago, SMU direly needed something positive to sustain the young team's vulnerable spirit.
Another loss would have left the Mustangs facing a steep climb with their confidence in tatters. How they responded to that heartbreaking defeat would set the tone for the season's second half.