The Mustangs were led by fourth year head coach June Jones and played their home games at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.

The previous match-up was September 17, 2005, a game in which Texas A&M defeated SMU with a final score of 66–8.

They last met in the previous season on November 6, 2010, when UTEP defeated SMU with a final score of 28–14.

Ja'Gared Davis was named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week for his 4th quarter fumble recovery in the end zone for a touchdown.

This marked SMU's second victory over a ranked team since receiving the NCAA Death Penalty for the 1987–8 seasons.

The two teams last met on December 4, 2010, during the 2010 Conference USA Football Championship Game when UCF defeated SMU 17–7.

For his third straight 300-yard game, QB J.J. McDermott was named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week.

PR Richard Crawford was named Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week for his 92-yard punt return for a touchdown which ties the all-time SMU record.

Southern Miss' 27–3 victory propelled them into the top 25 and extends their lead in the overall head-to-head record to an undefeated 3–0.

This game marked the 89th meeting of the SMU Mustangs and Rice Owls in the Battle for the Mayor's Cup.

After SMU won the 2012 BBVA Compass Bowl, the series now stands in the Mustangs' favor 3–2–1 Roster