After falling behind to SMU 14-7 early, Houston scored at the onset of the second quarter on a two-yard touchdown run by Charlie Sims that concluded a 10-play, 72-yard drive that carried over from the first quarter, tying the game 14-14.
Sims has 11 carries for 28 yards and two touchdowns so far on the night.
The game remained tied for most of the second quarter before SMU exploded for two touchdowns in 37 seconds late in the half to take a 28-14 lead at the break.
Garrett Gilbert threw his second touchdown pass of the game, this time to Jeremy Johnson for 18 yards to put SMU back up by a touchdown, 21-14, with 1:40 left in the second quarter.
On the ensuing Houston possession, Taylor Reed intercepted David Piland and returned the pick-six for SMU's second touchdown of the second quarter and gave the Mustangs at 14-point lead at the end of the half.
PIland passed for 181 yards on 15-of-25 passing in the first half, but also threw two interceptions.