A pair of touchdown passes by junior quarterback Taylor McHargue and field goals by Chris Boswell has helped the Rice Owls earn a 20-7 halftime lead over the SMU Mustangs in a Conference USA college football game at Rice Stadium.
McHargue's second touchdown pass came with just 20 seconds remaining and helped the Owls (4-6, 2-4 C-USA) end the half with 17 straight points. The Mustangs (5-5, 4-2 C-USA) have gained just 68 yards of total offense.
McHargue finished the half 16 of 23 with 215 yards, and his favorite target was wide receiver Vance McDonald, who caught five passes for 64 yards. One of the receptions was a 19-yard touchdown that helped give the Owls a 13-7 lead with 2:35 to go in the second quarter.
The scoring drive was set up by a sack and forced fumble from junior defensive end Cody Bauer on SMU quarterback Garrett Gilbert. The ball was recovered at the Mustangs' 19-yard line by senior defensive tackle Jamael Thomas.
Two plays later, McHargue found McDonald.
The last touchdown came on a 7-yard pass to Donte Moore with 20 seconds remaining. Boswell has made kicks from 56 and 51 yards. He also missed a 45-yarder.
SMU scored its lone points in the first quarter on a 7-yard rush by junior running back Zach Line.