In a matchup between two future Rice opponents Ryan Griffin returned from a shoulder injury to throw for 302 yards, leading Tulane past SMU 27-26 in New Orleans.

Griffin was 17-of-32 passing, and had touchdowns of 31, 79 and 16 yards. The last one coming with 35 seconds left, regaining the Tulane lead for good. The Green Wave had taken in a 20-6 halftime lead over SMU. However, the Ponies would score 20 straight second half points to carry a 26-20 lead late into the 4th quarter.

SMU kicker Chase Hover kicked a 19 yard field goal with 1:22 left, as June Jones opted for 3 instead of going for the kill on 4th down from the 2 yard line. A decision he'll likely re-think. The Green Wave would make him pay, as they drove 68 yards in just over a minute to earn Curtis Johnson his first win as a Tulane Head Coach...