Hicks-Sutton combo helps SMU beat UNT 54-32

DALLAS (AP) - Ben Hicks threw four touchdown passes to Courtland Sutton, Xavier Jones ran for two scores, and Southern Methodist beat North Texas 54-32 on Saturday to win its second straight.

With eight receptions for 163 yards, Sutton tied the SMU single-game program record with four TD catches, and his 40-yard scoring reception broke a 10-all first-quarter tie and broke the game open. Hicks, 20 of 39 for 312 yards passing with one interception, also connected with Sutton on 62-, 4-, 35-yard TD passes.

Jones gained 74 yards on 13 carries, and his 1-yard plunge on fourth-and-goal in the third quarter was set up by Demerick Gary's interception of a pass by the Mean Green's Mason Fine. Jones also scored on a 47-yard run in the fourth.

Backup QB D.J. Gillins' first pass of the game was a 76-yard scoring strike to Myron Gailliard, in the fourth quarter.

The Mustangs defense held North Texas (1-1) to 69 yards rushing, scored a safety, and twice stopped the Mean Green on downs.

Fine was 32 of 47 for 424 yards, with TD passes of 72 and 29 yards to Jalen Guyton, who had three receptions for 109 yards, and a 13-yarder to Jaelon Darden. Jeffery Wilson scored on a 2-yard run.

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