Final Stats

RENO - Despite not allowing an offensive touchdown, the SMU Mustangs dropped a heartbreaking 12-9 decision to host Nevada on Sept. 20 to open Western Athletic Conference play.

The Mustangs jumped out to a 3-0 lead on a 33-yard field goal by Chris McMurtray on SMU's second possession. After interceptions by Alvin Nnabuife and Jonas Rutledge thwarted Pack drives, Keylon Kincade spearheaded an SMU drive which culminated with a one-yard scoring drive by the All-WAC back with 1:54 left in the second quarter. After a failed two-point conversion, SMU went to the locker room with a nine-point lead.

Nevada responded with a field goal to cut the lead to 9-3 with 5:10 left in the third quarter. On SMU's ensuing drive, UNR's Logan Carter intercepted a Tate Wallis screen pass and dashed 40 yards to knot the score. Nnabuife was again a hero for SMU when he blocked the extra point attempt to keep the game deadlocked at 9-9.

After the two teams traded fourth-quarter possessions, the Mustang defense again thwarted a Pack drive and forced a punt with less than two minutes remaining. With the Mustangs poised to make a game-winning drive, Matt Rushbrook fielded the Pack punt inside the SMU 20-yard line. As the wideout strained for extra yardage, Nevada forced a fumble and recovered on the SMU 20. After running time off the clock, UNR's Damon Fine hit his second field goal of the night from 28 yards to give Nevada the narrow win.

The game marked the first time since Oct. 3, 1998, that SMU held an opponent without an offensive TD. Kincade again led SMU with 121 yards rushing and moved into ninth place on the SMU career rushing lists, passing Kyle Rote and Kris Briggs.