The Mustangs fell 36-14 to the Rice Owls in the team’s fight to become bowl eligible in Houston on Saturday. The game was close from the start with the first quarter ending with an SMU 7-6 lead.

With a little more than four minutes remaining in the second quarter, SMU missed a field goal and the score remained the same.

Within two minutes Rice ran the score up 13-7 and went into halftime leading 20-7. The Mustangs had no touchdowns or field goals in the second half and the Owls continued to run up the score.

By the end of the third quarter Rice led SMU 23-14 and by the beginning of the fourth the Owls brought the score to 26-14. The Owls continued to make plays, and ended the game 36-14. SMU ended with two fumbles and two turnovers.

SMU’s Zach Line ran in both touchdowns and finished the game with 94 yards rushing. Darius Johnson caught six passes and completed 153 yards for the Mustangs.

The Owls’ offense was lead by quarterback Taylor McHargue, who threw for 297 yards and threw two touchdown passes.
Rice’s Chris Boswell kicked five field goals with three of them over 50 yards.

SMU will host Tulsa next Saturday, Nov. 24 in Gerald J. Ford Stadium at 11 a.m.

As the team ends the regular season, the Mustangs must beat 7-0 Tulsa to advance to a bowl game.