SMU Vs. Rice Halftime Score: Mustangs Cruising 14-7, But INTs Keeping Rice Alive

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.

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