Football team loses home opener 38-24 to Rice
Rice freshman running back Samuel Stewart (24) runs toward the sideline in Saturday’s game. Matthew Brown | Staff Photographer
Reece Waddell | Senior Staff Writer
North Texas only trailed by seven at halftime, but for the second straight week they were unable to hang around, with Rice University outscoring the Mean Green 28-14 in the second half to cruise to a 38-24 victory.
Rice quarterback Driphus Jackson had a career day for the Owls, setting a career high in completions and passing yards. He finished 29 for 39 passing with 373 yards and three touchdowns.
The Owls (2-1, 1-0) came out firing from the outset, torching a depleted Mean Green (0-2, 0-1) defense. Jackson had all day to throw in the pocket, and was able to go through all of his progressions on a regular basis. This showed, as North Texas was unable to force a single turnover, losing the turnover margin at -3.
Senior wide reciever Carlos Harris and senior tight end Marcus Smith celebrate after Harris’ touchdown against Rice. Dylan Nadwodny | Staff Photographe
Senior quarterback Andrew McNulty found Carlos Harris on a 33 yard touchdown pass with 10 minutes left in the first half, putting North Texas up 10-7. But Rice would answer with a 30 yard pass of their own from Jackson to junior receiver Zach Wright, putting the owls up for good at 14-10. The Owls tacked on a field goal to end the first half to lead at the break 17-10.
Rice running back Samuel Stewart punched it in the endzone from five yards out in the third quarter, giving Rice the lead 24-10 with 11:33 left in the frame.
The second half was dominated by the Owls, as North Texas had trouble moving the ball until the fourth quarter. They did manage to make it interesting at the end, as McNulty found Harris again on a 93 yard touchdown pass, the third longest scoring play in school history to cut the Owl lead to 14 with 7:42 remaining in the game. But it wasn’t enough, as Rice got a few first downs on its next drive and was able to run out the clock.
The Mean Green will travel to face Iowa University next Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
Featured Image: Rice freshman running back Samuel Stewart (24) runs toward the sideline during Saturday’s game. Matthew Brown | Staff Photograper
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