TULSA, OKLAHOMA -- Sophomore Keylon Kincade rushed for a career-high 169 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries and SMU's defense forced five turnovers to lead the Mustangs to a 24-14 win over Tulsa on Saturday afternoon at Skelly Stadium.
The win snapped a two-game SMU losing streak and extended the Golden Hurricane's losing streak to nine games.
"Any win for us is a good win considering the way the season has gone," said Mustang head coach Mike Cavan. "We overcame a lot of adversity today and I am very proud of our players."
The defense helped stake SMU to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Kevin Garrett picked off a pass at the Tulsa 30-yard line on its second possession of the game. Three players later, ShanDerrick Charles scored on a four-yard run to give the Mustangs a 7-0 lead. Two possessions later, Jonas Rutledge returned an interception 31 yards for a score and a 14-0 Mustang lead.
The scored stayed that way until the fourth period when Jacob Crowley's 19-yard field goal made it 17-0 SMU. Tulsa sandwiched two late touchdowns around Kincade's 26-yard TD run, the first of his career.
"Keylon gave us a big lift today," said Cavan. "ShanDerrick has been bothered by turf toe and Keylon stepped up and had a great game. He has had a great attitude and was ready to contribute. It is a valuable lesson for our team."
Kincade, who did not have a carry in the first quarter, ran for 132 yards in the second half. Charles finished with 33 yards on 13 carries.
"I've been trying to work hard in practice to get another chance," said Kincade, who was the team's leading rusher through four games this year. "I got it today and I was able to make the most of my opportunity. The line did a great job in front of me and I tried to run as hard as I could."
SMU's defense dominated for most of the game, allowing just 195 yards in the first three periods. The five turnovers generated were a season-high and the most since getting five against Nevada last year. Johnson Patman also had an interception while Vic Viloria and Shane O'Neill recovered fumbles.
David Page started at quarterback and rotated throughout the game with Kelan Luker. They finished with identical stat lines -- 4-of-7 for 42 yards with one interception.
