Nov. 26, 2010

Final Stats |  Notes | Game Highlights

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) - Zach Line scored on a short touchdown run in overtime and Richard Crawford followed with the game-ending interception to help SMU beat East Carolina 45-38 on Friday, clinching a spot in the Conference USA championship game.

Line scored on a 1-yard run to start the overtime for the Mustangs (7-5, 6-2), then Crawford came up with the huge defensive play by stepping in front of Lance Lewis and catching Dominique Davis' quick throw.

The play sent SMU players spilling onto the field to celebrate with Crawford, who after being tackled raced all the way to the end zone with his teammates in pursuit. Meanwhile, Lewis stayed on the ground, his face buried in the turf.

Line ran for 123 yards and also had a fourth-quarter touchdown for SMU, which rallied from a 14-0 first-quarter deficit but also blew a 38-24 lead in the final 10 minutes against the Pirates (6-6, 5-3).