When SMU was winning 18 straight games, the opponent was secondary. The Mustangs were locked in, confident that if they maintained their high level of play, they could beat anyone.
But things have changed dramatically for SMU. Since becoming the last Division I team to lose, the Mustangs have been unable to post consecutive wins. Each of their last four wins has been followed by a loss, and the American Athletic Conference race that seemed a gimmee three weeks ago now has an uphill feel.
With a 7-0 start in the American, SMU held a two-game lead over Temple.