The SMU Mustangs scored the final two touchdowns in a span of 37 seconds and now lead by a score of 28-14 at halftime over the Houston Cougars. For most of the second quarter, the SMU offense was completely shut down; on their first two drives, they went three-and-out for a grand total of three yards.
SMU's third drive is when the offense came alive. The Mustangs started with the ball deep in their own territory and proceeded to drive 92 yards on just eight plays. The two big plays on this drive were a 30-yard pass from Garrett Gilbert to wide receiver Jeremy Johnson to get past midfield and a 29-yard run by Zach Line to get in the red zone. The scoring play was a 18-yard touchdown pass to Johnson, which gave SMU a 21-14 lead.
The SMU defense forced its fourth turnover of the game when linebacker Taylor Reed intercepted Houston quarterback David Piland and proceeded to return the ball six yards, giving SMU a 14-point halftime lead.