The Cowboys kept their season alive at Bank of America Stadium just as SMU did here a week ago, only under wildly different circumstances in a vastly different game. For the Mustangs, that meant losing on a last-second field goal but still qualifying for the College Football Playoff.

Less than 100 miles from his hometown, Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle had a day to remember with 149 yards in front of friends and family.

Dowdle leads the Cowboys with 731 rushing yards on 152 carries, both career highs. That he has a chance at 1,000 yards is remarkable in a way, considering the start of the season. The Cowboys began with Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott as a running back by committee. At different times, Dalvin Cook and Deuce Vaughn got some looks as the third runner.

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) runs with the ball as Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. (90) and Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone (22) move in during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. Credit: AP/Tony Gutierrez

The Dallas Cowboys take the field in an early game on Sunday, hoping to avoid another losing streak. After winning two in a row, their Monday night loss to the Cincinnati Bengals has been followed by

NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys have been one of the worst rushing teams in the league. Instead of opting to pony up the dough during free agency to bring in a high-caliber back like Derrick Henry or J.