SMU rallies to beat Rice 31-28

November 8, 3:18 PMSMU Mustangs ExaminerRichard Day

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Shawnbrey McNeil scored twice (AP Photo)

SMU’s “All Grit, No Quit” Mustangs took their alumni on an emotional rollercoaster ride Saturday at Homecoming 2009. They rallied from a 20-7 deficit, overcame 122 yards in penalties, forced three fumbles and blocked three kicks to preserve a 31-28 victory over Rice at Gerald J. Ford Stadium to remain in a tie with Houston for first place in the Conference-USA West.

At 5-4 -- 4-1 in C-USA action -- SMU is one victory away from bowl eligibility with three games remaining on its schedule. The Mustangs, who last enjoyed a winning season in 1997, have not been invited to a bowl game in 25 years.

It took a miraculous effort from SMU’s offense, defense and special teams to defeat the winless, yet upset-minded, Owls. Rice had won three straight against the Mustangs and spoiled their bowl hopes three years ago.

Kyle Padron, starting his second straight game at quarterback for the Mustangs, threw and interception and lost a fumble in the first quarter. The freshman from Southlake Carroll redeemed himself by completing 17 of 24 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown. Emmanuel Sanders was Padron’s favorite target, catching six passes for 136 yards including a 23-yard touchdown late in the first half. Shawnbrey McNeil, who became eligible the day before the season started, rushed for 88 yards and two touchdowns.

SMU trailed 20-14 after Margus Hunt blocked Rice’s second point-after-touchdown attempt. When Rice tried to take a nine-point lead with a 37-yard field goal attempt with two seconds remaining in the half, Sterling Moore blocked it and Bryan McCann returned it 74 yards for touchdown to give the Mustangs a 21-20 lead. It was déjà vu for McCann, who swung the momentum SMU’s way when he returned a blocked field goal attempt (by Hunt) 63 yards for a touchdown late in the second half against East Carolina. Hunt, a 6-8, 267-pound defensive end who received the Conference-USA Special Teams Player of the Week award for blocking two kicks in the East Carolina game, also blocked a Rice field goal attempt early in the second half.

Senior linebacker Chase Kennemer’s second of three fumble recoveries set up McNeil’s nine-yard touchdown run that gave SMU a 31-20 advantage with 10:12 remaining.