The Cougars showed signs of life, hanging with the SMU Mustangs until faltering down the stretch and losing to SMU, 35-21.
Tied at the half, 14-14, SMU drove the field and took the lead, never looking back. A late touchdown pass from Jeff Tuel to Marquess Wilson made it 35-21 late in the fourth quarter, but the ensuing onside kick was recovered by SMU and the Mustangs ran out the clock.
Jeff Tuel was inconsistent, completing 18 of 33 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns. Marquess Wilson continued his breakout season, catching six balls for 134 yards and a touchdown. It was his second 100 yard receiving performance of the year.
The Cougars open their Pac-10 schedule at home against the USC Trojans next Saturday.