Mordecai late TD pass lifts SMU past Louisiana Tech, 39-37

Updated Sep. 18, 2021 9:43 p.m. ET

Associated Press

RUSTON, La. (AP) — Tanner Mordecai threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Roberson Jr. on the final play to give SMU a 39-37 win at Louisiana Tech in a non-conference game Saturday.

Austin Kendall fired an 11-yard strike to Marcus Williams Jr. with 5:07 left, then set up a 38-yard field goal by Cesar Barajas to give Louisiana Tech a 37-33 advantage with :36 to play.

Mordecai drove the Mustangs 73 yards in six plays for the game winner.

The game featured former Oklahoma quarterbacks as opposing starters. Both Mordecai and Kendall were Sooners in 2018 before both opted to transfer. Mordecai is a fourth-year junior. Kendall is a sixth-year graduate transfer.

Mordecai finished 36 of 48 for 395 yards and five touchdowns. Kendall was 24 of 41 for 351 yards and four touchdowns, but was picked off once and ran for a score.

SMU (3-0) put up 579 yards of offense and did not turn the ball over. Louisiana Tech (1-2) had 483 yards of offense with a turnover.

Both quarterbacks hit first-quarter bombs. Kendall hit Tre Harris for a 62-yard touchdown in the first quarter and found him again in the third from 11-yards out. Mordecai hit Rashee Rice with a 41-yard strike in the first quarter.