SMU (0-5, 0-2 WAC) lost at UTEP (3-3, 1-1), 42-28, Saturday night in front of 38,257 in the Sun Bowl in El Paso. The victory marked UTEP's first against the Mustangs in seven games.

SMU rebounded from an early 7-0 deficit to take a 14-7 lead after rushing touchdowns by Josh McCown and Jeff Pennington. UTEP answered with 28 unanswered points to lead, 35-14, with 2:50 remaining in the third quarter. SMU cut the Miner advantage to 35-28 with less than four minutes remaining after two more rushing touchdowns by freshman Kris Briggs. On its second-to-last possession, McCown's fourth interception of the night was returned for 52 yards by Nick Salinas to close out the scoring with 35 seconds on the clock.

The Mustangs gained 388 yards of total offense, but surrendered 483 to UTEP, which improved to 3-0 in the Sun Bowl this season. SMU pounded out a season-best 204 yards on the ground, led by Briggs' career-best 94 yards and two TDs. McCown was 13-of-32 for 184 yards and a career-high four interceptions. Defensively, Luke Johnson had a huge game, recording 10 tackles and six tackles for 44 yards in losses (four sacks for 38). Johnson moved into second place among SMU's all-time sacks leaders with his effort.

SMU punter Colin Vadheim boomed six punts for a 46.8 yard average, including three that landed inside the UTEP 20 yardline. Freshman Chris Cunningham, who left the game with a knee sprain, also established SMU's long kick return with a 55-yarder.