Takeaways: Controversial final call gives SMU a 41-38 win over Tulane

1. Grinder. SMU got the ball back, down by four, with 7:08 to play in the fourth quarter. Rather than go for a quick score like the Mustangs did against Navy two weeks ago, SMU opted to try to grind the drive out behind running back Ke'Mon Freeman. SMU faced third down and 12 with 2:16 left to play. Quarterback Ben Hicks found Trey Quinn for a 19-yard touchdown to take a 41-38 edge with 2:05 to play. Tulane drove down the field methodically, though, with the SMU defense giving its receivers far too much space around the sidelines to make catches. Tulane reached the goal line and eventually faced third-and-two with 13 seconds to play. SMU safety Rodney Clemons was called for pass interference in the end zone, giving Tulane another shot from the one-yard line with nine seconds to play. Tulane quarterback Jonathan Banks ran the ball and the referees called him short on the field. After review, the play stood and SMU walked away with the win.

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