Final
  for this game

Marshall outlasts SMU 34-31

Nov 22, 2009 - 1:14 AM By JOHN RABY AP Sports Writer

HUNTINGTON, W.Va.(AP) -- Brian Anderson threw two second-half touchdown passes to freshman Aaron Dobson to lead Marshall to a 34-31 win over SMU on Saturday, making the Thundering Herd bowl eligible for the first time under fifth-year coach Mark Snyder.

Martin Ward ran for 136 yards and a score and Terrell Edwards-Maye added 113 yards for Marshall (6-5, 4-3 Conference USA).

SMU (6-5, 5-2) fell into a first-place tie in the West Division with No. 24 Houston with one game remaining. Houston holds the tiebreaker after beating SMU 38-15 earlier this season. SMU hosts Tulane and Houston hosts Rice next Saturday.

SMU's Kyle Padron threw two TD passes but lost for the first time in four starts since taking over for the injured Bo Levi Mitchell.