Houston defeats SMU, 38-28

Running back Anthony Alridge ran for two touchdowns and threw for another Sunday night as Houston defeated Southern Methodist, 38-28, at Houston.

Alridge carried 31 times for 154 yards as the Cougars won their fourth straight. Quarterback Case Keenum completed 19 of 27 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns as Houston, 6-3 overall and 5-1 in Conference USA, held on to first place in the West Division.

Southern Methodist (1-8, 0-5) lost its seventh in a row, even though Justin Willis had his third 300-yard passing game of the season and moved past Chuck Hixson for the school’s career lead in touchdown passes with 43.

Darren McFadden had two yards subtracted from his rushing total from Saturday, meaning he only tied the Southeastern Conference single-game record.

McFadden was initially credited with 323 yards in 35 carries in Arkansas’ 48-36 win over South Carolina, but team official Kevin Trainor said that a review of the film showed the star tailback was given too many yards.

McFadden is now credited with 321 yards in 34 carries.

Vanderbilt’s Frank Mordica rushed for 321 yards in a 1978 game.

Tennessee defensive tackle Chase Nelson will sit out the remainder of the season after dislocating his wrist in a 59-7 victory over Louisiana Lafayette.