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This is the 14th meeting between these schools and SMU is looking to win their third consecutive game against Rice.
SMU leads Rice 14-7 at halftime, but it's the Mustang defense that's stealing headlines from June Jones' powerful offense. Rice has been held to just 63 total yards in two quarters, and is 1 of 7 on third downs.
If not for Mustang turnovers, SMU would likely have a larger lead. Quarterback J.J. McDermott is 11 of 18 for 115 yards and a touchdown, but has two interceptions. SMU has a nine minute advantage in time of possession and almost four times as much total yardage (216) as Rice.
The biggest play of the first half gave the Mustangs a 14-0 lead - SMU tailback Jared Williams broke for a 52-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter, which could've started a Mustang rout if not for the McDermott INTs. Xavier Webb took an interception back to the SMU 13-yard-line, and a player later Owls quarterback Nick Fannuzi would find Donte Moore for a touchdown pass.
For more on the Mustangs and Owls, check out SB Nation's college football news hub.
The SMU Mustangs host the Rice Owls battle it out for the Mayor's Cup even though this game is only being played for the 14th time it has a trophy up for grabs, and for some Rice players this is a big game. Rice leads the all-time series eight games to five, but SMU has won the last two games and is expected to win their third straight this weekend.
While SMU is looking to improve their bowl situation if they can get a win over Rice on Saturday, the Owls are playing for pride as they are 4-7 and will not become bowl eligible on the year. Rice will have to put on one of their better games of the year if they are to beat SMU, because they are not exceptional at any major statistical category in Conference USA. They are average to below average and especially will struggle against SMU's passing offense which is second in the league and only behind the blazing pass offense of the Houston Cougars.
Game date, time: 11:00 a.m. CT, Saturday, Nov. 26
Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas
TV channel: Fox Sports Net
Spread: SMU favored by 14.5 points.
Series history: Rice leads 8-5 all-time
Radio: 1310 AM The Ticket
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SMU Vs. Rice Final Score: Mustangs Score 13 In Fourth Quarter To Defeat Owls 27-24
The SMU Mustangs scored 13 points in the fourth quarter to complete their comeback against the Rice Owls to win 27-24. SMU gave Rice multiple chances to win this game by turning over the ball five times but Rice was only able to take advantage of one of those turnovers when Cameron Nwosu returned a fumble for a 21-yard touchdown.
SMU's offense was relatively held in check as quarterback J.J. McDermott passed for 179 yards on 16-of-25 passes, but the one player that Rice could not stop was wide receiver Darius Johnson had eight receptions for 123 yards and a score. Johnson was one of three targets to catch a ball.
The offense made its move in the fourth quarter as they were trailing 17-14 and outscored Rice 13-7 in the final frame. SMU's first score in the fourth quarter began at the end of the third and was a 10-play, 78-yard drive that resulted in a 1-yard touchdown by Rishad Wimbley. The second touchdown in the fourth was quick strike drive that went 60 yards on three plays and the touchdown was a 39-yard scamper by Wimbley for his second touchdown in the quarter. Wimbley ended up rushing for 115 yards with most of that being gained in the second half. Rice had a chance to put three more points on the board in the fourth quarter, but Chris Boswell missed a 41-yard field goal.
SMU completes their regular season with a 7-5 record and now awaits for what bowl game that they will be heading to.
Nov 26 3:28p by Jeremy Mauss