TULSA, Okla. — Freshman quarterback Kyle Padron made his first start a memorable one, turning two broken plays into scoring passes in leading Southern Methodist to a 27-13 victory over Tulsa on Saturday.

Padron, who came off the bench a week ago, threw for 354 yards, completing 20 of 30 passes.

SMU improved to 4-4 overall and 3-1 in Conference USA action, while Tulsa slipped to 4-4 and 2-2.

Padron broke a 7-7 tie in the third quarter when he scrambled and found running back Shawnbrey McNeal in the flat. He twisted his way 36 yards for a score.

Tulsa cut the deficit to 20-13 when reserve quarterback Jacob Bower found tight end Jake Collums over the middle from 13 yards out.

Tulsa coach Todd Graham went for a fourth-and-18 from the SMU 44 with 5:31 to play. G.J.Kinne's pass was deflected and SMU drove 56 yards for the clinching score, a 2-yard plunge by Zach Line.