DALLAS -- Ben Hicks threw for 375 yards and four touchdowns, and SMU needed a goal-line stand, confirmed by a review, in the closing seconds to edge Tulane 41-38 on Saturday.
SMU (7-5) reached seven wins for the first time since 2012.
On the final drive of the game, Tulane receiver Darnell Mooney made a leaping catch over the middle in traffic for 19 yards with 46 seconds left and Terren Encalade added an 18-yard grab 10 seconds later to reach the SMU 5.
After a pass interference penalty with 25 seconds left, Tulane quarterback Jonathan Banks missed an open Mooney and was stopped on a sneak on second down.