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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.

For more on the Mustangs and Owls, check out SB Nation's college football news hub

Photographs by jamesbrandon, jdtornow, phlezk, flygraphix, mcdlttx, tomasland, and literalbarrage used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.