Tigers rally, but fall short at SMU, 30-27

DALLAS – The 24th-ranked University of Memphis Tigers recovered from a huge first-half deficit, but their rally wasn't enough in Saturday's American Athletic Conference opener at SMU.

SMU's Chris Naggar knocked through a 43-yard field goal in the closing seconds to lift the Mustangs to a 30-27 victory at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. SMU improved to 4-0 and Memphis, which beat Arkansas State in its opener on Sept. 5, fell to 1-1.

The Tigers, playing for the first time in 28 days because of a Covid-19 induced layoff, were driving in the final minutes to potentially set up a game-winning score of their own. But quarterback Brady White fumbled with 1:25 left after a short run and the Mustangs…