SMU fell to South Florida, 35-27, on Saturday night. Here are five thoughts from the loss.
1. What it means -- SMU played a gritty game against one of the best teams in the American Athletic Conference. But the Mustangs fell just short in their 35-27 loss. SMU had an opportunity to tie the game late but failed to convert on 4th-and-1 in the red zone. SMU now falls to 5-6 and still needs one more win to earn bowl eligibility. Overall, SMU might have outplayed South Florida. The Mustangs out-gained USF, 578-473, made more first downs and forced a couple of turnovers.